Istanbul's Teknofest marks a restoration of autonomy
In the heart of Istanbul, at Atatürk Airport, Teknofest - the world's largest technology festival - is running until September 21, easily accessible by public transit. This year's event is more than just a festival; it's a statement of Türkiye's refusal to accept a subordinate role in the techno-feudal order.
Selçuk Bayraktar, a renowned figure in the Turkish tech industry, spoke at Teknofest Istanbul, addressing the weaponization of civilian technologies and the risk of states becoming digital vassals of monopolies and foreign suppliers. Bayraktar's warning echoed a sentiment shared by many, as the illusion of openness and globalization has collapsed in recent years.
The festival showcases a new frontier in every corner, from nuclear energy and artificial intelligence to agricultural technologies. One of the highlights is the Teknofest-affiliated entities' launch of two projects: Kuře, an AI-assisted digital encyclopedia, and NSosyal, a social media platform in Turkey requiring identity verification. The NSosyal project, developed and managed by a Turkish company called Nsoft Teknoloji, aims to provide a secure platform for users.
Teknofest empowers the next generation to pursue their dreams, design and develop technology, and launch their own ventures. The festival's energy, innovation, and sense of pride are best experienced in person. The bright red bomber jacket, once iconic for aviation-themed Teknofest, now stands in contrast to the diversity of what Teknofest has become.
Proxy wars, great-power competition, and the weaponization of basic technologies have restored a more cynical worldview. However, Teknofest offers an opportunity for people of all ages to see firsthand what Türkiye's future looks like: a future of independence, sovereignty, and limitless dreams.
Recent events, such as Israel's planting of explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah, draw global attention to the dangers of weaponized technology. Yet, Teknofest stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that technology can be a force for good when harnessed by a self-reliant nation. As Bayraktar stated, self-reliance is becoming an existential necessity.
In conclusion, Teknofest Istanbul is more than just a technology festival. It's a testament to Türkiye's determination to chart its own course in the digital age, ensuring its sovereignty and independence in a world where technology is increasingly being weaponized.
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