site.bta8th Turkish Antarctic Expedition Head Basar: Cooperation in Antarctica Is Extremely Important, Necessary

Since 2017, a regular Turkish expedition to Antarctica has taken place every year. Turkiye organizes expeditions to both Antarctica and the Arctic, and many important studies are carried out during these expeditions, Prof. Dr. Ersan Basar, head of Turkiye's 8th National Antarctic Expedition, said in an interview for BTA. Turkiye is planning to establish a large base on the Ice Continent, he noted.

According to him,  joint cooperation in Antarctica is extremely important and necessary. Turkish scientists partner with colleagues from around the world, including Bulgaria, Prof. Basar said. In his words, Turkish scientists use the Bulgarian research vessel, and sometimes the Bulgarian side helps transport cargo and equipment to Turkiye. On its part, Turkiye supports Bulgarian researchers and studies in various ways; there is active cooperation with the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute.

There are researchers from Bulgaria who have participated in Turkiye's previous expeditions to Antarctica. "Bulgarian geologists working in the field of earth sciences come to our base as partners and work as participants in scientific expeditions to Antarctica. We had a very harmonious working process with them and we were very satisfied. Our joint cooperation continues at present and is very active," Prof. Basar said.

Prof. Dr. Ersan Basar teaches at Karadeniz Technical University's Department of Maritime Transport and Management Engineering.