Türkiye is reinforcing its position on the 2026 international events calendar by hosting a series of prestigious global events. At the forefront of this momentum is Antalya—the country’s premier tourism destination on the Turkish Riviera and one of the world’s most visited cities. Welcoming millions of international visitors each year, Antalya combines its breathtaking Mediterranean coastline and rich historical heritage with the infrastructure, accommodation capacity and expertise required to host large-scale international gatherings. With the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) and the COP31 Climate Conference among its landmark gatherings, Antalya is set to become a major focal point for international dialogue in 2026.
Among these landmark events, IAC 2026 holds particular significance for Antalya, a city already connected to the exploration of the skies through the TÜBİTAK National Observatory (TUG), situated 2,500 metres above sea level on Bakırlıtepe in Saklıkent. Taking place in Belek from 5 to 9 October, the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) will bring the global space community to Türkiye for the first time. Organised annually by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the IAC is one of the world’s largest and most influential space gatherings. The congress brings together space agencies, technology companies, astronauts, academics and industry leaders to exchange knowledge and help shape the future of the sector. The event features international exhibition areas, high-level protocol sessions, company presentations, academic and technical sessions showcasing the latest space developments, and platforms highlighting cutting-edge advances in the sector.
Türkiye’s historic meeting with the global space community
Hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and co-hosted by the SAHA İstanbul Aerospace Cluster under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye, IAC 2026 Antalya will be held at the NEST Convention Centre—one of Türkiye’s largest conference facilities—serving as a rallying point for nations and industries to align their efforts.
With over 10,000 registered attendees, including astronauts from different countries, and numerous international companies, IAC 2026 will offer a unique opportunity to showcase studies, products, and technologies shaping the space ecosystem, alongside academic sessions and knowledge-exchange platforms. In addition to industry professionals, the conference will be open to space enthusiasts from all walks of life, inspiring a broader audience.
The congress will start with a grand Opening Ceremony celebrating Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage and tradition of hospitality. Throughout the event, astronauts will engage with the international space community — particularly students and young professionals — through different programme activities and encounters, offering participants an opportunity to hear directly from those who have experienced spaceflight firsthand. One highlight of the week will be the IAC 2026 Gala Event & Dinner at the ancient theatre of Aspendos. Set within one of Türkiye’s most remarkable historic landmarks, the event will bring the international space community together in a setting that reflects the country’s cultural heritage and Antalya’s unique character.
Hosting this landmark event will advance the objectives of Türkiye’s National Space Programme while further strengthening the country’s role as a dynamic contributor to the global space community.
The world needs more space
IAC 2026 is held under the theme “The World Needs More Space,” which calls for the sustainable and equitable exploration of space. While highlighting the urgent need to discover and preserve outer space in a secure and inclusive way, the motto also calls for global cooperation to keep space a peaceful frontier, ensuring its benefits are shared by all nations and safeguarded for future generations.
Within this theme, IAC 2026 will feature engaging discussions, groundbreaking presentations, and collaborative workshops that address pressing issues surrounding space security, exploration, and the ethical implications of our activities beyond Earth. The event invites everyone to contribute to the dialogue on how we can collectively ensure that the cosmos remains a realm of opportunity, inspiration, and unity for generations to come.
Meet ‘Turquoise’: IAC 2026’s Caretta caretta mascot
The official mascot of IAC 2026 is Turquoise, a Caretta caretta named after Antalya’s crystal-clear waters. One of the Mediterranean’s most iconic species, loggerhead sea turtles nest along several beaches in Antalya, including Belek, where IAC 2026 will take place. Inspired by this remarkable marine species, Turquoise symbolises a journey extending from Antalya’s turquoise shores to the stars.
Caretta caretta migrate thousands of kilometres from the Turkish coast and return to the Antalya beaches where they were born to nest. The loggerhead turtles’ sense of discovery reflects humanity’s journey into space, while their return also reminds us of Earth-our true home. Therefore, Turquoise is not just a symbol; it is a true asset to Antalya and space.
Antalya: Türkiye’s tourism and event hub
Set amid the spectacular coastal landscapes of the Turkish Riviera, Antalya pairs pristine beaches and ancient cities with a vibrant culinary scene and a wealth of sporting experiences. Its strengths, however, extend well beyond tourism. Supported by universities and research centres active in fields such as astronomy and aerospace engineering, the city is also an important setting for science, technology and international exchange. Easily accessible by air, road and sea, Antalya offers extensive luxury accommodation and congress and convention venues with a combined capacity of more than 175,000. Together with the city’s diverse tourism offerings, these strengths promise delegates a memorable stay both inside and beyond the conference hall.
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