TEKNOFEST Takes Off in Northern Cyprus

TEKNOFEST, the world’s largest festival of aviation, space, and technology, has officially launched today in Northern Cyprus. The opening ceremony began at 1:00 p.m.

Held for the first time in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the event runs from May 1 to 4 at the old Ercan Airport, which welcomed its first visitors at 9:00 a.m. this morning.

The festival aims to bridge the gap between science, technology, and the public. It offers a wide range of experiences—from educational exhibits and hands-on experimental workshops to interactive technology showcases and knowledge competitions designed for all age groups.

One of the most popular attractions is the Cyprus Peace Operation Experience Zone, which transports visitors back to 1974. A symbolic parachute jump recreates some of the critical moments of the military operation, giving visitors a powerful and immersive glimpse into history.

The XR (Extended Reality) Zone offers a unique scientific adventure using six different XR technologies. Visitors can virtually explore Turkey’s Antarctic Research Station in 3D and learn how satellite communications work through the TÜRKSAT XR satellite systems demo—an engaging, interactive experience simulating real-time space-to-Earth communication.

The festival also features spectacular aerial shows by elite teams including SOLOTÜRK, Turkish Stars, F-4 fighter jets, ATAK helicopters, HÜRKUŞ aircraft, and Bayraktar TB2 and AKINCI drones.

Organized under the auspices of the President of the TRNC and led by Turkey’s Ministry of Industry and Technology together with the Turkish Technology Team Foundation, TEKNOFEST is open to the public free of charge until Sunday.

“We invite all our citizens—young people, educators, and students—to TEKNOFEST 2025. As the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, we are proud to host such a unique event where science, technology, and imagination come together,” said Fikri Ataoğlu, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment.

Buses will run to the festival grounds from Nicosia, Kyrenia, and Famagusta:

• From the Kyrenia Gate and Atatürk Indoor Sports Hall in Nicosia

• From the marketplace at Peace Park in Kyrenia

• From the marketplace and the main bus stop in Famagusta

Shuttle services will operate daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The festival received over 15,000 applications this year, with 20 teams from the TRNC advancing to the final stage of the competition.