President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the Blockchain Istanbul Program held at Istanbul University's Prof. Dr. Cemil Bilsel Conference Hall. Speaking at the event, President Erdoğan expressed his wishes for the Blockchain Istanbul event, held during such a critical period, to bring prosperity to the country and the technology sector.
President Erdoğan mentioned that blockchain technology has gained popularity in the public eye, largely thanks to developments in the cryptocurrency field. He emphasized that the significant advancements made in this technology over the past decade offer the potential to fundamentally transform the existing commercial system with its capabilities for decentralized recording and assurance. President Erdoğan noted that new concepts, which are still unfamiliar to many, represent alternative business methods that are increasingly entering into practice. He stated, "Digital assets are the fuel of technology, and blockchain is the vehicle. With the assurance of intellectual property assessments through blockchain technology, a new phase has been reached. To put it in a metaphorical way, digital assets are the fuel of technology, and blockchain is the vehicle, the intermediary. What truly makes this technology attractive and unique across a wide range of activities, from food supply chains to banks, from logistics processes to works of art, is its ability to perform fast, efficient, secure, and low-cost transactions. While preparing for Turkey's Century, it is clear that we cannot ignore this potential. Our goal is not to be in a situation where we are merely filling the digital asset vault but to actively be the country utilizing this vehicle. Rather than attempting to participate in virtual realms created by others, we are determined to establish our own universe. Our aim is to become the designers, producers, decision-makers, and leaders in this field, not just followers."
President Erdoğan emphasized that blockchain technology has gained popularity in the public eye, largely thanks to developments in the cryptocurrency field. He emphasized that the significant advancements made in this technology over the past decade offer the potential to fundamentally transform the existing commercial system with its capabilities for decentralized recording and assurance. President Erdoğan noted that new concepts, which are still unfamiliar to many, represent alternative business methods that are increasingly entering into practice. He stated, "Digital assets are the fuel of technology, and blockchain is the vehicle. With the assurance of intellectual property assessments through blockchain technology, a new phase has been reached. To put it in a metaphorical way, digital assets are the fuel of technology, and blockchain is the vehicle, the intermediary. What truly makes this technology attractive and unique across a wide range of activities, from food supply chains to banks, from logistics processes to works of art, is its ability to perform fast, efficient, secure, and low-cost transactions. While preparing for Turkey's Century, it is clear that we cannot ignore this potential. Our goal is not to be in a situation where we are merely filling the digital asset vault but to actively be the country utilizing this vehicle. Rather than attempting to participate in virtual realms created by others, we are determined to establish our own universe. Our aim is to become the designers, producers, decision-makers, and leaders in this field, not just followers."
"Making preparations that will position Turkey at the forefront of this field, just like in other areas, is our duty." President Erdoğan mentioned that they foresaw these days and tasked the National Electronic and Cryptology Research Institute under TÜBİTAK for blockchain technology studies. He continued, "The first laboratory in this field in our country was established there in 2016. The Central Bank of our country is conducting studies related to cryptocurrencies. Other ministries are closely monitoring this technology within their areas of responsibility as well. We are also closely following the activities of our private sector in blockchain technology. In the coming period, we will continue to implement new projects that will contribute to our country in this field, in cooperation with our public institutions, universities, and private sector.
Our goal with this event is to ensure that blockchain technology is discussed in a way that sheds light on all its administrative, technical, and strategic aspects for our business sectors. Without understanding the potential in every dimension, we cannot evaluate opportunities and threats, and therefore, we cannot take healthy steps towards creating the necessary infrastructure and regulations. As the concept of the cyber world expands towards cyberspace, it is our duty to make preparations that will position Turkey at the forefront in this field, just like in other areas." President Erdoğan also advised, "Instead of turning to baseless cryptocurrency gambling, I recommend our youth to be involved in the development of innovations like blockchain technology and turn towards larger and more fertile fields."
