Maritime and Cabotage Day was celebrated in Antalya
A celebration was held in Antalya for Maritime and Cabotage Day on July 1.
At the ceremony held in Cumhuriyet Square, Antalya Regional Port President Muhammet Alper Keçeli laid a wreath at the Atatürk Monument.
The program continued at Kaleiçi Yacht Harbor with a wreath-laying ceremony in the water in memory of maritime martyrs, followed by events such as a greasy pole flag capture, anchor retrieval, swimming races, and a flyboard show.
Governor Hulusi Şahin, speaking at the ceremony, celebrated Maritime and Cabotage Day on July 1.
Governor Şahin emphasized the significant role of the seas in both tourism and exports, stating, "Today, Turkish tourism is on the verge of reaching 60 billion dollars. Hopefully, by December 31, we will achieve 60 billion dollars in tourism revenue. Turkish exports have exceeded 250 billion dollars. The primary factor in these two significant figures is our seas. Because we conduct exports via our seas and transportation is largely sea-based. Tourism is also largely conducted via the sea. If these seas are ours today, it is thanks to the values we celebrate on Cabotage Day on July 1. It is thanks to the National Struggle, the War of Independence. It is thanks to the heroic generation of the War of Independence and Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. I remember them all with mercy, gratitude, and respect. July 1 is a national struggle epic. We should explain this well to our children and future generations," he said.
The event featured various demonstrations by the Mediterranean Sailing Club, Konyaaltı Underwater Sports Club, and tugboats in the sea.
In the 500-meter swimming race, Mevlüt Efe Güler came first, Atakan Ercan second, and Berk Boz third.
Muhammet Resul Akkuş won the greasy pole flag capture and anchor retrieval competitions.
After the ceremony, where the winners were awarded, the celebrations concluded with a cocktail reception on a ship.
Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor Yakup Ali Kahveci, Antalya Regional Port President Muhammet Alper Keçeli, IMEAK Chamber of Shipping Antalya Branch President Ahmet Çetin, and Advisor to the Metropolitan Mayor Lokman Atasoy also attended the celebrations.
