Turkish scientists leave for Antarctica over research base building

A group of Turkish scientists on Friday left for Antarctica to set up the country's first scientific research base there, local media reported.

"We are on our way to Antarctica as a team of nine researches to conduct feasibility studies of the base," Burcu Ozsoy, director of the Istanbul Technical University Polar Research Center, was quoted as saying by the Hurriyet daily in Istanbul prior to the team's departure.

"Our target is to set up a research base to open our studies to Turkish scientists," she said.

During their 30 days of expedition, the Turkish scientists will also focus on researches on climate change and sea creatures, the daily said.

In Ozsoy's view, all the countries in the world will one day head to Antarctica for salvation from the worst-case drought scenario, as the continent holds 70 percent of the world's fresh water reserve.

Antarctica, governed by Antarctic Treaty which came into force in 1961 with 53 participant countries, is allowed to be used for scientific research purposes only.

Turkey is holding an observer status under the treaty like 24 others and has no right to vote. Endit