General Information

IZMIR

Izmir is widely recognized as the jewel of the Aegean, boasting a historical significance that spans millennia. It stands as one of the oldest settlements in recorded history, with a profound and extensive culture dating back to the Early Bronze Age.

Throughout its existence, Izmir has been a witness to the ebb and flow of numerous civilizations, including the Hittites, Ionians, Lydians, Persians, Pergamonians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Archaeological evidence suggests that Izmir, referred to as Smyrna in ancient times, was initially documented in historical texts around 3000 B.C. In antiquity, Smyrna was established on the Tepekule site, now recognized as Bayraklı. With a rich history spanning 5,000 years, Izmir proudly hosts a plethora of architecturally and archaeologically significant sites. Notably, the Temple of Artemis in the ancient city of Ephesus, listed among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is a prime example.

Today, the broader Izmir Province spans an area of roughly 12,000 square kilometers. Within the city's confines, the Metropolitan area encompasses approximately 7,300 square kilometers, housing a population of around 4 million people. This establishes Izmir as the third-largest city and the second-most industrialized urban center in Türkiye.

SPACE CAMP TÜRKİYE

The late Kaya Tuncer, founder, and original CEO of ESBAS (The Aegean Free Zone Development and Operating Company), was inspired to establish a space camp in Türkiye following his initial meeting with Turkish American Ismail Akbay. It was during this encounter that he first learned about space camps. Originally from a village on the shores of the Sea of Marmara outside Bursa, Türkiye, Mr Akbay became a rocket scientist in the 1960s and spent 31 years working for NASA. Dr Wernher von Braun, the most famous rocket scientist in history, personally selected him to be one of the lead aerospace engineers responsible for developing the engines for the Saturn V rocket, the vehicle that carried NASA's Apollo astronauts to the Moon.

Space Camp Türkiye, launched as an ESBAS enterprise, officially opened its doors on June 12, 2000, in the Aegean Free Zone, Izmir, Türkiye. Space Camp Türkiye, the world's second and Türkiye's first and only space camp, is licensed by the US Space Camp Foundation, a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama.

Space Camp Türkiye, catering to youngsters aged 9 to 15, prepares them for potential careers as engineers, astronauts, scientists, and educators. The camp fosters a passion for higher scholastic achievements in math and science through hands-on shuttle mission training, authentic astronaut simulations, lessons on the space programs history, and space-related computer projects. Today, Space Camp Türkiye offers not only Türkiye's youth but also students from around the world an unforgettable educational experience in a dynamic and enjoyable atmosphere, joining the ranks of the original Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.

As a space and science education centre, Space Camp Türkiye is primarily focused on motivating young people from around the world to pursue careers in science, mathematics, and technology. All activities at Space Camp Türkiye are organized around STEAM+ Education standards. TEAM+ Education is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Mathematics, Social, and Language as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. Through interactive space-based simulations, young people and adults learn about communication, teamwork, and leadership in a dynamic, fun environment.

LOCATION

Aegean Free Zone is a modern industrial park and the first export processing zone in Türkiye developed and operated by ESBAŞ, the private sector company. The site covers 550 acres and is located 4 km from Izmir International Airport and 12 km from the city centre and Izmir Port.

ESBAS has built all the infrastructure and facilities in the zone. The company also provides and maintains all telecommunications, utilities, and catering services. The zone is currently home to 193 companies (92 of which are international). The total trade volume generated in 2022 was USD 5.3 billion, and the total trade volume generated since the establishment of the Zone is USD 92 billion. One third of the total investments in the 18 free zones in Türkiye are in the Aegean Free Zone. 20,300 people are currently employed in the AFZ. Companies in the AFZ are mainly involved in electronics, automotive parts, machinery manufacturing and assembly, aerospace and defense, precision instrumentation, metal fasteners, kitchen furniture manufacturing, textiles, food processing and packaging.

CLIMATE IN IZMIR

During the summer in Izmir, daytime temperatures typically range from 80 to 95 degrees, with evenings offering a pleasantly mild climate in the high 70s or low 80s. Space Camp Türkiye's building maintains an indoor temperature between 72 and 76 degrees.

For real-time weather conditions and essential information about Izmir, including time, you can refer to the following link: timeanddate.com/worldclock/turkey/izmir

AIRPLANE TRAVEL

Liquids in containers of 3 ounces or less may be carried in carry-on baggage. All liquids in carry-on baggage should be placed in a separate one-gallon clear zip-lock bag; this bag of liquids should be placed in a separate bin at security checkpoints. All liquids over 3 ounces must be placed in carry-on baggage; in checked baggage, be sure to wrap all liquids in several layers of plastic to prevent spillage onto other items.

VISA INFORMATION

American citizens are granted a visa exemption for tourist trips to Türkiye, allowing them to stay for up to 90 days within every 180 days.

U.S. AIRPORTS

Make sure your baggage is checked all the way to Izmir. You should be able to obtain boarding passes for the flight from Istanbul to Izmir (a 45-minute flight) at your point of origin in the US. (Be sure to check this at the check-in counter).

ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL

Once you are inside the terminal, go to Passport Control and present your passport and e-visa (see previous section for information on e-visa).
Remember - your baggage should be checked through to Izmir. After passport control in Istanbul, walk to the domestic terminal for your flight to Izmir. In Izmir, follow the instructions for transit passengers; you will be directed to the international terminal where you will collect your baggage and go through customs.

ARRIVAL AT SPACE CAMP TÜRKİYE

Your transport from Izmir airport to Space Camp Türkiye will be arranged by us.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Teachers and chaperones will be accommodated at Space Camp Türkiye in shared (with a shared bathroom), single, or double rooms, subject to availability. The rooms and bathrooms are equipped with electrical outlets. It is crucial to note that the electric voltage in Türkiye is 220V, which differs from the U.S. Therefore, it may be necessary to use dual-voltage appliances and/or plug converters/adapters.

For campers, separate dormitory floors are designated for males and females within the Space Camp Türkiye building. Each sleeping bay has bunk beds for 24 campers.

COMPUTER – FAX – TELEPHONE

You can utilize the Space Camp Türkiye Space Generation Research Centre for internet access to check your email. Additionally, a wireless system is available in specific areas of the Space Camp building for those bringing their own laptops.
For any urgent personal messages or faxes, you can direct them to our fax and telephone numbers.

Keep in mind that Izmir, Türkiye operates on Eastern European Time (EET), GMT +3, which is 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (New York City). To obtain information about the local time, weather, and calling procedures, you can visit the following useful website: timeanddate.com/worldclock/turkey/izmir

Emergency Contact Information

SPACE CAMP TÜRKİYE ADDRESS

If you need to send anything to Space Camp, we kindly request that you use reliable courier services like FedEx, DHL, or UPS. Postal service is not recommended due to its unreliability, and packages may experience delays at customs. The address is as follows:
ESBAS / Space Camp Türkiye c/o Nurcan Subaşı
ESBAS / Aegean Free Zone 35410 Gaziemir-Izmir TÜRKIYE

LAUNDRY SERVICES

We regret to inform you that there isnt a laundry service available for visitors at Space Camp Türkiye. However, for adults (excluding campers), there is an option for a laundry service during your stay. Please note that clothes designated for washing will be sent to an external laundry service, and the associated costs will be your responsibility.

BANKS (ATM) AND EXCHANGE RATES

The official currency in Türkiye is the Turkish lira, and the current exchange rate is approximately $1 = 30 TL. However, its important to note that these rates can fluctuate daily. For the most up-to-date and accurate currency exchange rates, please visit: bloomberg.com/quote/USDTRY:CUR

ATM machines, available 24 hours within the Aegean Free Zone, offer currency exchange for both USD and TL.

Its advised to avoid travelers checks, and in Türkiye, most major credit cards are widely accepted. For those opting to bring cash, consider U.S. Dollars in small denominations ($5, $10, or $20). However, note that outside of Space Camp Türkiye, U.S. Dollars are generally accepted only in major tourist or resort areas, such as Ephesus or Cesme.
If you plan to shop in the city or at the mall across from the Aegean Free Zone, its likely you will need to exchange your U.S. Dollars to Turkish Liras. Campers will have an opportunity to exchange money before planned excursions.

For adults, its recommended to bring your American Bank Card/ATM Card and withdraw Turkish Liras from ATM machines, as banks automatically provide the current and best exchange rate using this method. IMPORTANT If you intend to use this option and utilize your Bank Card/ATM Card or Credit Card in Türkiye, inform your bank about your travel plans to ensure uninterrupted access to your funds while abroad.

SHOPPING AND SPENDING MONEY

All expenses at Space Camp Türkiye are completely optional. In addition to the satisfying meals served three times a day, campers also enjoy a refreshing "fruit/snack" at 16:00. During the program, campers and chaperones also have the opportunity to purchase snacks and ice cream from snack vending machines at Space Camp Türkiye.
During planned excursions, campers and chaperones will have the chance to exchange currency at the designated exchange office before reaching their destination (refer to the above section for details).

Exclusive for chaperones: FOR ADULTS ONLY - A newly established Food Court Area is situated approximately 150 meters from Space Camp Türkiye within the Aegean Free Zone. Operating hours for the Food Court are from 7.00 am to 11.00 pm, seven days a week. Additionally, there is conveniently Outlet Mall conveniently located across the street, offering a variety of stores and fast-food/restaurant options.

MEDICAL

Doctors are available at Space Camp Türkiye during normal working hours (8.00 am – 6.00 pm). In addition, an on-call doctor and our experienced nursing staff are available 24 hours a day at our Space Camp Türkiye Clinic.

SECURITY AND SAFETY

Space Camp Türkiye is situated within the Aegean Free Zone, a secure fenced-in industrial park spanning 550 acres with 24-hour security. The Space Camp simulators adhere to the highest standards, with daily safety checks and maintenance conducted by professional technicians.
Camp management, supervisor staff, and general staff members are either on-site or on-call 24/7 when the camp is in session to ensure the safety of campers. Participants are responsible for the security of their personal items, and it is advised not to bring high-value items to camp.

For more details about Space Camp Türkiye, you can explore the following websites:
Space Camp Türkiye: spacecampturkey.com
ESBAS – The Aegean Free Zone: esbas.com.tr
Global Friendship Through Space Education: gftse.org