THE PLACE OF CLAY IN THE TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE
The 20th National Clay Symposium (Kil'2026), organized by SERHAM and the Clay Sciences Association, was held at the Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center on the Ayazağa Campus of Istanbul Technical University (ITU) between September 2-5.
The 20th National Clay Symposium, organized by SERHAM (Association of Ceramic, Glass and Cement Raw Materials Producers) and the Clay Sciences Association, was dedicated this year to the memory of Dr. İbrahim Bodur, one of the pioneering and veteran leaders of Turkish industry. The main theme of the event was "The Place of Clay in the Technology of the Future," and its aim was to bring together national universities, research institutions, scientific organizations, clay producers, and suppliers operating in the field of clay science and technology on a global scale. Considered one of Turkiye's most established scientific events in the field of clay science and ceramic technology, the symposium provided a platform for evaluating current scientific and technological developments in the sector, discussing sustainable approaches, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations.
At Kil’26, the strategic role of clay was discussed not only in traditional production areas but also in advanced technology, sustainability solutions, innovative industrial applications, and green transformation processes. Throughout the four-day event, numerous national and international scientists, public institution representatives, industry professionals, and young researchers came together to share knowledge and experience. The symposium, where 73 papers were presented, saw a higher-than-expected turnout.
The opening of the symposium, which brought together leading figures from academia and industry, was marked by a large protocol attendance. Opening speeches were delivered by ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, MAPEG General Manager Arslan Narin, ITU Faculty of Mining Dean and Symposium Co-Chair Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kumral, SERHAM Chair and Symposium Co-Chair Adnan Geredeli, Chair of the Clay Sciences Association Prof. Dr. Asuman G. Türkmenoğlu, and Kale Group President and CEO Zeynep Bodur Okyay.
The Geopolitical Position of Clay
On the first day of the symposium, a panel was held on the topic of "The Geopolitical Position of Clay and its Place in the World Economy." Moderated by Murat Doğan, the panel included Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kumral, Dean of the ITU Faculty of Mining and Co-Chair of the Symposium; Erkan Güral, Chairman of the Board of Kütahya Seramik; Zeki İlter Yurtbay, President of the Turkish Ceramics Federation; Metin Çekiç, President of İMİB; Haşim Ağrılı, Deputy General Manager of MTA; and Enver Sever, Vice Chairman of the Board of Ege Seramik.
On the second day of the symposium, the panel titled "Clay Mining in Turkiye and its Problems," moderated by Cansu Canan Özgen, was held with a large attendance. Panelists included Aytunç Nane, Head of the Permits and Easements Department of the General Directorate of Forestry; Fatih Turan, General Director of Environmental Management; Behzat Gökçen Demir, Head of the Internal Audit Unit of MAPEG; Adnan Geredeli, Chair of SERHAM; and Turhan Akyüz, Board Member of İMİB. The panel, which was followed with great interest, presented various solutions to the problems of clay mining. The second day of the symposium concluded with a special Bosphorus Cultural Tour on the Valide Sultan ship for the participants.
One of the most meaningful and emotional parts of the symposium was a special session held in memory of the recently deceased scientist, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kadir. Selahattin Kadir, a faculty member of the Department of Geological Engineering at Eskişehir Osmangazi University and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Clay Sciences Association, was remembered with respect and gratitude by his colleagues and students for his invaluable contributions to national and international clay science.
The event, which also hosted a comprehensive exhibition area showcasing industrial products and technologies from various companies alongside simultaneous scientific sessions, panels, and poster presentations, attracted great interest from participants.
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