Awards Presented at the Science and Technology Festival “CezeriFest” Organized by TİKA

The ”CezeriFest 3D Design and Printing Competition” brought together young talents trained in “Cezeri Lab” and ”Cezeri Studio” projects launched by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in 22 different countries.

TİKA’s inaugural CezeriFest, themed “Design for Education,” took place in Ankara from December 9 to 12.

A 3D Design and Printing Competition was held during the festival, showcasing 54 projects presented by participants from Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tanzania, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and Ukraine. Competitors developed innovative and educationally beneficial projects using three-dimensional printers.

The projects were evaluated by a panel of five jury members. The first prize was awarded to “TRNC-Team Techno Eul,” the second prize to “Ukraine Team L&A”, and the third prize to “Pakistan Team CTTI Islamabad”.

The Pakistani team designed a car suspension and differential model using a 3D printer, while the Ukrainian team developed a model illustrating the three-dimensional visualization of electric current. The TRNC team created experimental setups, including pendulums, to support science education at the primary, secondary, and high school levels.

“Bringing Al-Jazari’s legacy to every corner of the world”

TİKA’s President Serkan Kayalar presented the awards to the competition winners. In his speech, Kayalar stated, “We are proud to have successfully completed the first CezeriFest, which we plan to host annually as a technology competition under various thematic titles.”

Kayalar highlighted that the event, named after the inventor Ismail Al-Jazari—known as the “Father of Robotics”—embodies TİKA’s vision and mission of sharing Türkiye’s scientific and technological expertise with the world. He described Al-Jazari as one of the most remarkable scientists to emerge from the Islamic world.

Kayalar stated, “Through the Cezeri Labs established in nearly 20 countries—from South Africa to Mongolia and from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Bangladesh—and the Cezeri Studios implemented in almost 10 countries, we are spreading Al-Jazari’s name to all corners of the world.”

He added that the devices and laboratory infrastructures developed in Türkiye equip young people with skills in three-dimensional design, modeling, robotics, and mechatronics. Kayalar emphasized that the projects showcased in the 3D Design and 3D Printing Competition, held as part of CezeriFest, represent not only technical achievements but also innovative solutions that promote creative thinking, sustainability, and equal opportunities in education.

Participants engage directly with technology at CezeriFest

As part of the festival, an exhibition showcasing works from the Istanbul Jazari Museum was organized, giving participants a unique opportunity to experience technology firsthand through activities at the “Cezeri 3D Printing Workshop”. The closing program also featured promotional videos highlighting the large-scale technology laboratory, Cezeri Lab, and the more compact Cezeri Studio.

“CezeriFest,” organized by TİKA to strengthen cooperation with friendly nations in the fields of technology and science, will be held annually with a different theme, providing a platform for young people’s innovative projects.”

TİKA’s science and technology initiative: “Cezeri Lab and Studio”

The Cezeri Lab and Cezeri Studio projects, implemented by TİKA under the “Science and Technology Education Program (BİTEP)” to enhance the technological infrastructures of partner countries, focus on fostering scientific and industrial innovation. These initiatives provide young people with significant opportunities in technology through training offered at the large-scale Cezeri Lab and the more compact Cezeri Studio.