Our university recently hosted the “Disaster Awareness: A Century of Experience and a Look Toward the Future” symposium, which brought together a wide range of participants at the Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Culture and Congress Center (OKM). The event drew strong interest from academics, researchers, and representatives of public institutions and professional organizations.

Before the opening ceremony, attendees toured a natural disaster–themed exhibition prepared by AFAD and TMMOB in the OKM foyer, offering an engaging start to the program. The ceremony welcomed several distinguished guests, including KTU Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı, Trabzon Deputy Governor Fatih Kızıltoprak, Trabzon University Rector Prof. Dr. Emin Aşıkkutlu, Gümüşhane University Rector Prof. Dr. Oktay Yıldız, Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality Secretary General Gürkan Üçüncü, Retired Admiral Prof. Dr. Cihat Yaycı, along with academics, researchers, and representatives from professional chambers. During the opening program of the symposium, speeches were delivered by Organizing Committee Chair Prof. Dr. Arzu Fırat Ersoy, HKMO Trabzon Branch President Prof. Dr. Ebru Çolak, TMMOB Chamber of Geological Engineers President Hüseyin Alan, KTU Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı, and Deputy Governor Fatih Kızıltoprak.

“A Strong National Awareness of Disasters Is Essential”

During the opening speeches, speakers reflected on the floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters our country has faced in recent years. These events, they stressed, highlight the urgent need to build strong, institutionalized disaster awareness. Prof. Dr. Arzu Fırat Ersoy emphasized that disaster management is inherently interdisciplinary, a structure shaped and strengthened through collaboration. She noted that the symposium’s vision was to “represent an integrated approach in the most effective way possible.”

A Call for Practical and Effective Strategies

Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı stated that the symposium serves as a platform for experts from different fields to come together, share knowledge, and promote a culture of safe living. He underscored that one of the university’s fundamental responsibilities is to transform scientific knowledge into societal benefit. He also reminded attendees that risk reduction, preparedness, and resilience are just as essential as response efforts in the face of disasters.

Disaster Management as a Matter of Security

Following the opening session, invited speaker Retired Admiral Prof. Dr. Cihat Yaycı delivered his presentation titled “From the Depths of the Sea to the Surface: The Blue Homeland.” In his talk, he examined disaster risks, regional security, and response strategies from a geopolitical perspective. He emphasized that disaster management is not only a technical field but also a strategic issue with significant implications for national security.

A Three-Day Program of Insight and Collaboration

The symposium continued throughout the day with sessions on national disaster strategies, early warning and monitoring technologies, and Türkiye’s experiences with natural disasters. The program ran through Wednesday, December 3, featuring 10 sessions and a closing panel. Over the course of three days, the event brought together leading experts in disaster management, risk reduction, engineering, health, law, and urban planning, fostering meaningful discussion on building safer and more resilient communities.

 

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