The Turkish FRC community continues to grow after a pandemic break! 3 regionals with splendid teams from all around the world with extraordinary achievements. Also a brand new regional in Izmir, the first qualifying event in Turkey outside of Istanbul! I’ve had a chance to catch up with the Chairman’s Award & Engineering Inspiration Award winners in Istanbul & Bosphorus Regionals and so here is my brief report:
#6429 4th Dimension: 6429 continues its exceptional work to make Izmir the new Turkish capital of robotics. Seizing every opportunity to reach out to younger generations, providing exceptional examples for FRC communities on overcoming the difficulties of the pandemic, forming new teams in the Aegean region, organizing an off-season event, and putting on a remarkable effort for the very first Izmir Regional; 6429 done everything and became a community leading team in the past 2 years! Also an incredible Chairman’s video as usual!
#2905 Sultans of Turkey: It’s nice to see 2905 back at the podium after 2 years. The oldest Turkish team is bringing the future world to today! NFTs, Tokens, and Metaverse into the FIRST is truly exciting! Side to that, they’ve created a comprehensive FIRST library and organized a virtual camp with one of my favorite Hall of Famers, 3132. Also a special shoutout to their collaboration with Mawoud Academy in Kabul, Afghanistan due to the latest situation. Would love to have one of those NFTs, might earn a lot in a Hall of Fame scenario! (not investment advice 
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#7466 Cymurghs: This young team with a unique organization has rocked the Turkish FRC community in the past 2 years with back-to-back Chairman’s Awards. With their famous Teddy Bear Nazif, Online Learning Program, FLL & FRC camps, and driver station integrated wheelchair design, 7466 is quickly becoming the next big thing in the Turkish FRC community. I’ve been a huge fan of matching the goals of their projects and initiatives with the UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals. Amazing work!
#8153 Tech4Peace: 8153 is the latest member of the Chairmans’ game. Even though they might seem relatively young, they’ve created a broad impact by forming and mentoring FIRST & VEX teams all around the world and organizing robotics competitions. Their advocative work on gender equality and influence on their community is highly promising. If they could manage to expand & sustain their team and impact, it seems like they’ll be here for a long time! Welcome to the Chairman’s bound, Team 8153!
#6988 ACI 35: An incredible member of the Aegean FRC community, Team 6988 was a part of my watchlist in the past few years. Truly remarkable team all around, it’s going to be nice to see them once again in the Championship! Also gotta keep an eye on their wheelchair project partnered with Izmir Municipality. It could be a hit, not just in Izmir, but all around Turkey and maybe the world!
