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Turkish Naval Academy: A Pillar of Turkiye's Maritime Heritage
The Naval Academy is one of the most distinguished institutions in Turkish maritime education, carrying a legacy that dates back to its founding in 1773 as Mühendishane-i Bahr-i Hümayun during the Ottoman Empire. Established to modernize the Ottoman Navy, it became a pioneering center for naval and engineering sciences, combining advanced education in navigation, shipbuilding, artillery, and cartography with traditional maritime training. As the empire sought to compete with European powers, the academy produced generations of skilled officers and engineers who played key roles in shaping the Ottoman Navy’s dominance in the Mediterranean. With the transition to the Republic era, the Naval Academy underwent significant reforms to align with the modernizing vision of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, embracing contemporary naval sciences, engineering disciplines, and leadership development. Relocated to its cutting-edge campus in Tuzla, Istanbul, in 1985, the academy offers advanced facilities, including simulation centers, laboratories, and training ships, providing cadets with hands-on experience in modern naval technologies. Beyond its technical curriculum, the academy instills a deep appreciation for Turkey’s maritime heritage, teaching cadets about key historical moments such as the Battle of Preveza under Admiral Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha and the Ottoman shipbuilding legacy at the Golden Horn. Today, it integrates innovative fields like artificial intelligence, cyber defense, and unmanned systems into its training, preparing officers for the evolving complexities of global naval operations. The Naval Academy is not only a military institution but also a contributor to science, culture, and international maritime cooperation, hosting research on maritime security, sustainability, and technological advancements. By preserving Turkey’s rich seafaring traditions while advancing its naval capabilities, the Naval Academy remains a cornerstone of the nation’s maritime identity and a leader in global naval education.urriculum encompasses naval sciences, engineering, and leadership, aiming to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to meet contemporary demands. The Naval Academy continues to strengthen Turkey’s maritime tradition, not only in military terms but also through its contributions to science and culture.
What does "Ozden" mean?
Özden is a name that perfectly reflects the spirit and vision of our team. Originating from the Turkish language, “Özden” means the essence, the core, or the strength that comes from within. With this name, we aim to highlight authenticity, sincerity, and staying true to the fundamental values in all our projects. Drawing strength from our essence, we strive to develop innovative ideas and overcome challenges with determination. Our team is driven by passion, collaboration, and dedication, aiming not only for technological achievements but also for building strong cultural and human connections. Özden represents a team that is deeply rooted in its origins while setting its sights on shaping the future.
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The name Özden is not just a name, but a symbol of vision and spirit. Its origin is tied to Özden ÖRNEK, one of the key figures in the Turkish defense industry and the founder of MÄ°LGEM project. Özden ÖRNEK is known for his leadership in engineering and innovation, and his legacy has taught us the importance of not only achieving technical success but also advancing by focusing on community and humanity. The name Özden, inspired by his values, strengthens our goal of shaping the future by pushing the boundaries of both humanity and technology. As a team carrying the name Özden, we honor Özden ÖRNEK’s legacy, remaining true to these powerful principles while striving to make meaningful contributions to technology and humanity.
History of the Team Ozden
Özden is made up of students from our school’s Mechanical Technologies Club, a place where innovation and passion for technology come together. This club is home to various teams, all working on exciting projects, from research and development activities to participating in both national and international competitions. Currently, other active teams are focused on jet engines and rocket-related activities, showcasing the incredible range of talents within our school.
As for us, the Özden, we’ve taken on the challenge of designing, building, and perfecting an unmanned marine vehicle. Formed in 2024, our team’s journey has already been marked by significant milestones. Our very first competition was the 2024 Teknofest Unmanned Marine Vehicle Challenge, where we proudly made it to the finals, a remarkable achievement for a team that was just starting out.
Now, we’re gearing up for our second competition, Roboboat, with our second vessel fully prepared and ready to hit the waters. The excitement and passion within the team are palpable, and we are more motivated than ever to push the boundaries of what we can achieve. With each race, we’re not just building a boat—we’re building our future, our skills, and a legacy of innovation. We can’t wait to dive into this new challenge!