In pictures: Alper Gezeravci's journey to space fills Türkiye with joy
Turkish people erupt in joy and pride as they watch the first Turkish astronaut propelled into the space, making the country part of the elite space-faring nations.
Citizens in Mersin's Silifke district watch space journey of their fellow countryman on a giant screen. / Photo: AA
Turkish astronaut Alper Gerezavci's historic journey to space has captivated the country, with space enthusiasts witnessing the incredible feat in many provinces that has filled the Turkish people with awe and pride.
Live video streamed online by Axiom and watched by millions in Türkiye and elsewhere showed the impressive 25-storey-tall launch vehicle soaring into the skies above Florida's Atlantic coast.
In pre-launch interviews, 44-year-old Gezeravci emphasised that he never even dreamt of becoming an astronaut because that only seemed possible for the children of other nations. But on January 18, as he carried Türkiye's aspirations to the International Space Station, the sky ceased to be the limit.
Here are some of the inspiring images
SpaceX Falcon 9 topped with Crew Dragon spacecraft blasts off for International Space Station with the Axiom Mission 3 crew
Atakule, which is one of the primary symbols of the Turkish capital, is illuminated with red and white colours to mark the historic moment.
A child watches the historic moment in Ankara as Alper Gezeravci takes the dreams of the Turkish people from land to the depths of space.
Mersin citizens gathered to witness their countryman's space journey on big screens. The excitement was palpable.
History was made as Turkish astronaut Alper Gerezavci journeyed into space. This monumental event was screened live at Özdemir Bayraktar Science Center in Trabzon province.
A planetarium called "dome tent" was established in Ankara for citizens to follow Turkish astronaut Alper Gerezavci's historic journey.
Mus province's governor Avni Cakır and the students, whose project will be tested in space, watched Alper Gezeravcı's space journey live at Mus Science and Art Center.
"We are all witnessing an historical moment together. We are experiencing one of those times when our common pride rises to its peak," says Turkish President Erdogan.
Copyright © 2024 TRT World.