SHEVLI: 'VAN IS NO LONGER JUST A LAKE CITY, IT IS ONE OF TURKEY'S RISING MARITIME CENTERS'

The groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent service building of the Faculty of Maritime at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University was held with the participation of former Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım. Cemalettin Shevli, the former Director General of Maritime Trade and the General Directorate of Maritime and Inland Waters Regulation, spoke at the ceremony, stating that the transformation of Van in the maritime sector over the last twenty years has now entered a new phase. Shevli emphasized that the Faculty of Maritime building is not only an educational investment but also a strategic investment in the future of Van.

'WE ARE TAKING THE FIRST STEP OF THE DREAM WE ESTABLISHED TWO YEARS AGO'

Shevli noted that they had various contacts in Van about the development of maritime education approximately two years ago and mentioned that they had important discussions in Van with Prof. Dr. Özcan Arslan, Dean of the Faculty of Maritime at Istanbul Technical University, and businessman Şaban Kayıkçı. Shevli stated, 'That day we dreamed of improving maritime education and training the qualified human resources needed by the sector. Today, we are experiencing the happiness of taking the first concrete step of that dream.' He also pointed out that Şaban Kayıkçı, the businessman and shipowner responsible for the construction of the Faculty of Maritime building, has provided significant support not only to the faculty but also to the maritime high school and students, stating that these contributions play a major role in the development of maritime culture in Van.

'TURKISH MARITIME HAS EXPERIENCED THE GREATEST DEVELOPMENT PERIOD IN ITS HISTORY'

In his speech, Shevli also evaluated the achievements Turkey has made in the maritime sector over the last twenty years, stating that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the guidance of former Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, Turkish maritime has reached an important position on a global scale. Reminding that Turkish flagged vessels were once subjected to discrimination in international ports, Shevli noted that today, with Turkey's fleet, shipyards, ports, educational institutions, and trained human resources, it ranks among the respected maritime countries in the world.

A QUIET REVOLUTION IN LAKE VAN

Listing the investments made in the Lake Van Basin over the last twenty years, Shevli expressed that the maritime infrastructure of the region has largely been completed. He mentioned that the opening of the Tatvan Port Authority, the establishment of the Van Piri Reis Maritime Technical Anatolian High School, the commencement of educational activities at the Faculty of Maritime at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, the opening of the Edremit Yacht Harbor, the establishment of the IMEAK Chamber of Shipping Van Representation, the commissioning of the Sultan Alparslan and İdris-i Bitlisi ferries, and the realization of numerous piers and coastal structures constitute the cornerstones of Van's maritime vision. Shevli also noted that a yacht harbor, eight boat manufacturing facilities, six fishing shelters, and twenty-five coastal structures with a boat docking pier have been put into service in the Lake Van basin.

'WHAT EXISTS IN ISTANBUL IS STARTING TO BE IN VAN AS WELL'

Emphasizing that Van is no longer a city known only for its natural beauties, Shevli said: 'Thanks to the strong will of our state and the investments made in recent years, the Lake Van Basin has largely acquired the institutional infrastructure, technical capacity, and educational opportunities it needs in the maritime field. Van is no longer just a lake city; it is a notable center in maritime education, logistics, port management, and water transportation. Many educational, practical, and technical activities that could only be carried out in established maritime cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya in the past can now also be conducted in Van.'

'THIS FACULTY WILL MARK THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA'

Shevli stated that the foundation of the Faculty of Maritime building represents the beginning of a new era in Van's maritime journey, expressing that in the coming years, Van will become one of the exemplary centers in Turkey for maritime education and lake transportation. Shevli concluded his speech by saying, 'With the young people we will train, our strong institutional infrastructure, and our accumulated knowledge, Van will make significant contributions to Turkey's maritime future.'

Source: SeaNews Türkiye