TEKNOFEST Southeast, the Aviation, Space and Technology Festival organized under the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the T3 Foundation, is continuing at Şanlıurfa GAP Airport.
İsmail Karacabey, president of the Şanlıurfa Union of Chambers of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, said the festival had created significant activity in the city. Karacabey said visitors arriving in Şanlıurfa had brought vitality to gastronomy, souvenir sales, taxi services and various other trades, adding that hotels were fully booked and visitors unable to find accommodation were being directed to neighboring provinces.
Karacabey said TEKNOFEST was contributing to the city’s economy as well as increasing young people’s interest in technology, and called for such events to be held regularly in Şanlıurfa.
Karacabey said Şanlıurfa stood out for its gastronomy and history, adding that the festival had brought culture and technology together in the same event. He said visitors had also come from neighboring provinces and noted that festivals were beneficial in broadening the horizons of tradespeople and young people.
Local businesses extend their working hours
İbrahim Bakır, who has been working as a coppersmith in Şanlıurfa’s bazaar for 37 years, said the festival had positively affected his business. Bakır, who produces and sells souvenirs, said customer traffic had increased after the event began and that he continued working until 11 p.m.
Bakır said normal working hours were from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., adding that some businesses were staying open until midnight because of the increased demand. He said the festival was being held in the city for the first time and had brought vitality both to local businesses and the city.
Selahaddin Vurmuş, who has been selling spices in the bazaar for 47 years, also said TEKNOFEST had increased business. Vurmuş said it was pleasing for them to see new products and technologies as part of the festival.
