Organized by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and hosted by Marmara University, the “UFEST Youth Festival” was held with strong participation between April 1–3, 2026, at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Complex Maltepe Campus.
As part of the UFEST Youth Festival, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Osman Boyraz met with students on Thursday, April 2, at the Conference Hall of Marmara University Faculty of Technology. Before the event, Deputy Minister Boyraz and Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur visited the ministry-affiliated stands and listened to students’ requests.
Following the stand visits, Deputy Minister Osman Boyraz, Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur, and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşin Satan shared a meal with students in the cafeteria and engaged in sincere conversations with them. Emphasizing his faith in youth, Osman Boyraz stated that all hope lies in young people and expressed that they would accomplish significant and meaningful work together.
Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur: “Human and Conscience-Oriented Projects Are Very Important”
Delivering the opening speech at the UFEST Youth Festival, Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur emphasized that the organization was the product of months of intensive work and thanked everyone who contributed. Rector Okur stated that the participation of Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Osman Boyraz was a distinct source of pride for them. In his speech, Rector Okur reminded that even roads, water, and electricity were limited in villages in the past, and stated that a great leap in transport and technology is being experienced today. However, smart devices and artificial intelligence cannot replace conscience,” he said, emphasizing the importance of human- and conscience-oriented projects. Rector Okur also said that Turkey’s transportation projects will reach all regions, from villages to city centers, and that these efforts will be carried into the future through the vision and dedication of the youth.
Deputy Minister Osman Boyraz: “The Greatest Hope Lies in Youth”
As part of the festival, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Osman Boyraz met with students at the talk titled “Transportation Vision in the Century of Türkiye.” He stated that he aimed to have an interactive and sincere discussion with the students, emphasizing that he is someone who both shares his knowledge and learns from young people. Drawing attention to the dedication of youth he witnessed in earthquake-affected regions, Boyraz noted that Turkish youth—who possess great potential in technology and innovation—play a critical role in the country’s future.
Addressing Turkey’s geopolitical position, Boyraz emphasized that the country is located at a highly strategic point and that this advantage should be further strengthened through transportation and infrastructure investments. In his speech, Boyraz underlined that Turkey’s strategic position is being reinforced through transportation and infrastructure investments, noting that speed is a determining factor in global trade. Comparing different transportation corridors, Boyraz stated that the time advantage provided by the Middle Corridor passing through Turkey has gained the country a significant competitive power.
“We Have Carried Out Environmentally Friendly and Human-Centered Projects”
Stating that transport is not limited only to carrying people and cargo, but also brings economic vitality and prosperity to every region it passes through, Boyraz expressed that investments in highways, railways, airways, and seaways form the basis of this transformation. Saying that transport speed has significantly increased despite the rising number of vehicles thanks to the divided road investments made in Turkey in recent years, Boyraz addressed the youth, stating that they will be the ones to carry this success further in the future.
In this part of his speech, Deputy Minister Boyraz emphasized that they have adopted a human-centered and environmentally sensitive approach in transport projects, stating that they have developed sustainable projects with ecological bridges and engineering solutions that protect nature. Drawing attention to the improvements achieved in traffic safety, Boyraz stated that loss of life could be further reduced by increasing compliance with the rules.
Time and Cost Advantages Achieved Through Mega Projects
Boyraz stated that large-scale projects such as the Osmangazi Bridge and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge have provided significant advantages in terms of time and cost, and also emphasized the importance of freedom of choice in transportation. He further noted that the aim is to enhance traffic safety and driving comfort through intelligent transportation systems and 5G-supported roads.
Touching upon railway investments, Deputy Minister Osman Boyraz stated that Türkiye’s transportation infrastructure has been strengthened through projects that have gained momentum in recent years, and that an important threshold has been crossed with domestically produced train sets. Emphasizing the role of youth in this process, he said: “Motivation and belief are decisive in the success of major projects. It is again the youth who will carry these projects even further in the future.”
At the end of the talk, “Eastern Express Tickets” were presented as gifts to 8 Marmara University students through a raffle held by Deputy Minister Osman Boyraz. Following the drawing, the program ended with students taking photos together with academic and administrative staff.
