Teknofest Southeast continues in Şanlıurfa with aviation displays, defense technologies, educational activities and cultural events, as thousands of visitors explore the festival grounds at Şanlıurfa GAP Airport.

The five-day festival, organized with the participation of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the T3 Foundation and the Turkish Aerospace and Technology Company, is bringing together technology enthusiasts, students, researchers and families through Oct. 4.

The event features technology competitions in 14 categories, exhibitions, scientific workshops, simulation experiences and air shows, while visitors can also explore a wide range of Turkish aviation and defense platforms.

As Teknofest prepares to enter its third day, its program continues to combine large-scale aviation demonstrations with hands-on educational activities and cultural experiences reflecting the identity of Şanlıurfa.

Defense platforms take center stage

Defense and aviation remain among the main attractions at the festival, with visitors able to see a wide range of aircraft, unmanned systems and other military platforms at close range.

For the first time at the festival, a full-scale mock-up of Türkiye’s Kaan fighter jet is on display, giving visitors a closer look at the country’s fifth-generation stealth combat aircraft project.

The Kaan display is part of a large exhibition featuring Atak helicopters, Hürkuş, Cezeri, Anka, Bayraktar TB2, Bayraktar TB3 and Bayraktar Akıncı, along with Turkish land and maritime vehicles.

Bayraktar Akıncı also took part in the flight demonstrations, with images captured by the unmanned combat aircraft transmitted to large screens for visitors on the ground.

The Turkish Stars, the Turkish Air Force’s aerobatic team, performed over the festival on opening day, drawing the attention of thousands of visitors who watched the aircraft soar across the sky.

The aviation program is complemented by paramotor and hang glider demonstrations, giving visitors the opportunity to watch different forms of flight alongside military aircraft.

Technology presented beyond airfield

While aircraft and air shows provide some of the festival’s most visible moments, Teknofest is also designed around education and direct interaction with technology.

Visitors can explore advanced technology simulations, scientific workshops, exhibitions, a planetarium, science shows and the Teknofest Time Tunnel. The festival also includes displays of national air, land and maritime vehicles, as well as special first flight activities for students.

On the opening day, students visited an area operated by traffic gendarmerie teams, where they received information about traffic safety equipment including road traps, radar devices and alcohol meters. They also experienced a seat belt simulation vehicle.

Agriculture and environmental education are also part of the program. Students attending activities organized at the food, agriculture and livestock technology area were introduced to beekeeping and were allowed to observe live bees while learning about bee species and beekeeping.

The festival also features activities focused on accessibility. The Türkiye Beyazay Association is presenting projects related to technologies and methods intended to make education, employment and participation in social life more accessible to people with disabilities.

For many young visitors, the experience is closely connected to their future ambitions.

Şanlıurfa's heritage meets modern technology

The festival is also presenting Şanlıurfa’s cultural identity alongside advanced technology.

At a stand organized by Haliliye Municipality, a traditional "sıra gecesi" music group performed locally adapted songs while preparing "çiğ köfte" (steak tartar a la turca) for visitors. A four-legged robotic dog was also presented at the stand, creating a visual meeting point between one of Şanlıurfa’s best-known culinary traditions and modern robotics.

The combination of tradition and technology is seen throughout the festival area, where visitors can move between local music, food and traditional clothing and exhibitions featuring aircraft, unmanned systems and robotic technologies.

Teknofest Southeast will continue through Oct. 4 at Şanlıurfa GAP Airport with technology competitions, air shows, exhibitions, workshops, simulation experiences, stage events and celebrations of Şanlıurfa’s cultural heritage.