Situated in the Canik district of Samsun, the Özdemir Bayraktar Discovery Campus has become an important center for nurturing scientific curiosity among children and youth. Initiated by the Canik Municipality in 2019 and opened in 2023, the campus has already hosted 1,800 students in a short period. It features laboratories and workshops in a wide range of fields, including astronomy, aviation, space exploration, technology, mathematics, natural sciences, human sciences, physics, and chemistry, providing advanced education opportunities.

One of the most remarkable features of the campus is the exhibition of the Bayraktar Akıncı Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), a symbol of Türkiye’s national technology initiative. Gifted to the campus by Selçuk and Haluk Bayraktar, the Akıncı serves as an inspiration for students, encouraging them to pursue greater goals and fueling their passion for technology. Students describe seeing this prominent achievement of Turkish engineering up close as both motivational and inspiring.

For young people dreaming of becoming astronauts, the chance to experience Akıncı at the campus is an invaluable opportunity. While gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, students are taking their first steps toward becoming the scientists and engineers of the future. Canik Mayor İbrahim Sandıkçı emphasized that the campus is not just an educational facility but also a visionary project that connects children with the technologies of tomorrow.

The Özdemir Bayraktar Discovery Campus continues its mission of raising Türkiye’s future innovation leaders. By combining science and technology education with real-world inspiration, it not only equips young people with knowledge but also instills the courage and vision needed to turn their dreams into reality.