Speaking on Saturday at the grand opening of TEKNOFEST Southeast in Şanlıurfa, President Erdoğan addressed the nation regarding the devastating incident that struck the Soma district on Thursday. The collapse claimed the lives of five workers, while two others sustained injuries and were promptly rescued from the site. Delivering a firm message of accountability, the president assured the public that the government is closely monitoring every aspect of the judicial and administrative proceedings to ensure justice is served.
The tragic event has triggered swift legal and regulatory responses. The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry immediately initiated an administrative investigation to scrutinize operational safety protocols and working conditions at the site. Simultaneously, the Soma Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office opened a wide-ranging judicial inquiry to determine the exact sequence of events and pinpoint liability. As part of these ongoing legal actions, nine individuals, including key officials and management personnel from the company operating the mine, have been taken into custody for questioning.
"The investigation is continuing in multiple directions. Anyone found to have been negligent or guilty will certainly be held accountable. We will also follow the process closely," Erdoğan stated, emphasizing the state’s commitment to transparency and thoroughness. During his address, the president also took a moment to express his deepest condolences to the grieving families and colleagues of the five miners who lost their lives in the disaster, while offering sincere wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the two injured workers who remain under ongoing medical care.
The president’s remarks were delivered against the backdrop of an entirely different atmosphere at the Şanlıurfa GAP Airport, where thousands of enthusiastic visitors had gathered for the inauguration of TEKNOFEST Southeast. Serving as Türkiye’s flagship aviation, aerospace, and technology festival, the event drew vast crowds and showcased the nation’s soaring ambitions in science and engineering. Transitioning from the somber address regarding the mining tragedy, Erdoğan shifted his focus to praise the remarkable achievements and innovative projects presented by the young participants, asserting that their ingenuity clearly demonstrates the vast progress Türkiye has achieved in research, technology, and modern science.
"Once again, we are proudly witnessing the level Türkiye has reached in technology and the high-quality projects produced by the TEKNOFEST generation," Erdoğan said. He warmly congratulated the young inventors, engineers, and creators who displayed their inventive solutions and successfully turned conceptual ideas into tangible technological realities at the festival grounds. The palpable energy at the airport, combined with the fierce determination, unyielding enthusiasm, and high ambitions of the youthful competitors, served as a strong indicator that the nation’s future remains in exceptionally capable hands.
Erdoğan noted that the country’s ambitious long-term development vision, widely referred to as the "Century of Türkiye," will undoubtedly carry the distinct imprint of a rising generation that is increasingly immersed in technological innovation and scientific exploration. "These young people are a source of pride for our nation and among the country’s most valuable assets," he remarked, commending their extensive knowledge, self-confidence, and drive to push boundaries.
The president extended his gratitude to the Industry and Technology Ministry, the Turkish Technology Team Foundation, and the numerous other public and private organizations instrumental in organizing the massive event. He proudly described TEKNOFEST as the world’s largest aviation, aerospace, and technology festival, underscoring its immense scale and global appeal. Revealing the decision-making process behind the event’s location, Erdoğan shared that he had personally recommended Şanlıurfa as the host city, arguing that its rich historical backdrop and profound cultural heritage made it a uniquely appropriate setting to bridge ancient civilizational roots with cutting-edge technological innovation and young talent.
"Once again, we are experiencing the excitement of TEKNOFEST, an event shaped from beginning to end by young people, and this time we are doing so in Şanlıurfa," he noted. Highlighting the city’s ancient history, Erdoğan described Şanlıurfa as a historic cradle of religious heritage, scholarly pursuit, and early human civilization. The region is home to Göbeklitepe, a globally renowned archaeological site that continues to reshape our collective understanding of early human history and societal organization.
Furthermore, the president recalled the invaluable intellectual contributions of historical scholars associated with the region, including notable figures such as Al-Battani, Sinan ibn Thabit, Ibn Wasif of Harran, and Yunus al-Harrani. These historical luminaries left enduring marks on fields ranging from mathematics and astronomy to medicine and philosophy. By hosting TEKNOFEST in Şanlıurfa, the organizers aimed to establish a symbolic and practical bridge connecting the nation’s deep historical legacy with the bold ambitions of its younger generation and the technological frontiers of tomorrow. He added that the underlying intent was to encourage young Turkish innovators to draw profound inspiration from their cultural roots while simultaneously introducing international participants and visitors to the country’s rich history and civilizational heritage.
Reflecting on the exponential growth of the festival since its inception, Erdoğan reminded the audience that TEKNOFEST first began in 2018 with applications submitted by just 4,333 teams. Over the intervening years, participation has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels. According to the president, this year’s Southeast edition shattered previous expectations, attracting more than 730,000 competing teams and over 1.6 million individual competitors hailing from all 81 provinces of Türkiye as well as 97 different countries around the globe. Moreover, public enthusiasm was reflected in the massive turnout at the festival grounds, with total visitor numbers approaching the remarkable milestone of 1 million, further highlighting the soaring public interest and national engagement in science and technology across all segments of society.