Bursa Technical University is developing a project for Iznik.

Bursa Technical University (BTU) and Iznik Municipality met at the “Project Idea Development Workshop.” In the workshop hosted by Iznik Municipality, BTU academics and municipal officials developed innovative ideas for Iznik. With the workshop aimed at an EU project, it is also intended to increase the district’s recognition while seeking solutions to Iznik’s problems.

Guided by the motto “Integrating with the city, producing together with the city,” Bursa Technical University has rolled up its sleeves for Iznik district this time. In this context, the second “Project Idea Development Workshop,” following the first held with Yıldırım Municipality, was conducted by BTU’s Project Support Office with Iznik Municipality. The opening of the workshop organized under the auspices of Iznik Municipality was attended by BTU Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar, Iznik District Governor Arif Karaman, Iznik Mayor Kağan Mehmet Usta, BTU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Beyhan Bayhan, Prof. Dr. Sinan Uyanık, and Prof. Dr. Barış Tamer Tonguç, Secretary General Selim Uzun, BTU faculty members, and Iznik Municipality officials and staff. In his opening speech, BTU Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar expressed that the second workshop, after the one conducted with Yıldırım Municipality, was held with Iznik Municipality and stated that they act with the responsibility of being the only technical university in Bursa and the surrounding region. He mentioned that they continue their efforts to be a university that touches the city, integrates with it, and focuses on social contribution.

“We will bring forth strong projects for Iznik”

Stating that new project ideas would be developed by discussing the city’s problems in terms of social contribution, Rector Çağlar said, “We attach great importance to European Union projects. In this direction, with our Project Support Office established at the beginning of 2023, we have made significant progress in national and international projects. For instance, our projects have increased twofold compared to the previous year. We desire to convert these projects into social contributions. In our workshop today, with the participation of 22 of our academics and Iznik Municipality staff, we believe that very strong project ideas will emerge and these projects will be implemented.”

“The scientific support of our university is important”

Iznik Mayor Kağan Mehmet Usta emphasized the importance of local governments working in cooperation with universities in their cities, stating, “The EU project ideas will greatly contribute to activating many areas that will unleash the potential of our district. The combination of the work carried out by our municipality in environmental, urban planning, disaster, culture, and social issues with the scientific support of our university will play a significant role in taking steps to make our district a more livable and smarter city.”

“The goal is for Iznik to be recognized worldwide”

Iznik District Governor Arif Karaman expressed, “One day, the whole world will surely notice Iznik, which has a deep history and has been home to many civilizations. I hope that with the workshop conducted within this scope, Iznik will become recognized worldwide as it is in Turkey.” After the opening speeches, the Deputy Coordinator of the Project Support Office, Dr. Oya Güler, provided project training. Oya Güler discussed the scope of the project, mentioning points such as the Erasmus process and project priorities. Following Güler’s presentation, the workshop commenced.

Joint European Union projects

In the workshop, tables were formed for Environmental and Green Energy, Post-Disaster Planning Projects, Social and Cultural Projects, Cultural Heritage, Women – Youth. At these tables, expert academics came together with municipal managers and employees to discuss their ideas for developing national and international projects in the fields of social development and innovation. Strategies and cooperation potentials were determined to meet the needs of the local community in these areas. In the upcoming process, it is planned to write projects under the specified headings and apply for European Union grants.