Did you know that Australia’s Highway 1 is not just the longest national highway in the country, but also one of the longest in the world? Spanning an extraordinary 14,500 kilometers (9,009 miles), this iconic highway forms a loop around the entire continent, connecting all of Australia’s major coastal cities. Traveling along this route, you’ll experience breathtaking views that range from rugged coastlines and pristine beaches to lush rainforests and arid outback landscapes.

As you journey along Highway 1, you’ll pass through world-famous cities like Sydney, where the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge await; Melbourne, known for its vibrant arts scene and coffee culture; Brisbane, with its riverside parks and lively cultural precincts; Perth, where you can enjoy stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean; and Adelaide, the gateway to some of the world’s best wine regions.

Known as the "National Highway" or simply "The One," this vast road network is vital for connecting Australia’s coastal regions and urban centers. But it’s more than just a transportation route—it’s a road that tells the story of Australia’s diverse geography and rich cultural heritage.

For travelers, Highway 1 is the ultimate road trip, offering a unique way to explore the vast and varied landscapes of Australia. Whether you’re stopping to surf at a secluded beach, hike through a national park, or discover the history and culture of a new city, each segment of Highway 1 offers its own adventure. This highway is a journey in itself, a pathway to discovering the natural beauty and cultural richness that make Australia a truly unique destination.

Source: Teachers Travelers

The Damascus to Medina section of the Ottoman railway network was initially intended to connect Istanbul and Hejaz, the Islamic holy city of Mecca, but construction was interrupted by World War I, reaching only Medina 400 kilometers short of Mecca. The railway aimed to improve economic and political integration of Arabian provinces into the Ottoman state and facilitate military transportation. The completed Damascus to Medina section was 1,300 kilometers (810 miles) long. The railway was a significant part of the Ottoman Empire's railway network.

Below is an old photo of the Hejaz railways.

From smart mobility solutions to sustainable tech, Türkiye's innovation ecosystem stood out at CES 2024, the world's largest consumer electronics fair held in Las Vegas.

The Turkish pavilion showcased the cutting-edge breakthroughs of 50 tech startups, captivating global audiences with their game-changing technologies.

The spotlight belonged to Togg, as it unveiled its revolutionary electric car T10F, marking a pivotal moment for the Turkish mobility industry. With its elegant design and eco-friendly features, Togg is set to redefine the future of transportation.

In addition, Fark Labs, a leading hub for innovation and transformation, played a crucial role by introducing more than 10 startups. Fark Labs’ imminent launch of a new accelerator center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is set to be a key facilitator for mobility-focused ventures, encouraging global growth and fostering international collaboration.

#CES2024 #startup #innovation #TOGG #sustainability #smartmobility

Mostar Bosnia

Mostar, a city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, boasts a rich and complex history, shaped by diverse cultural influences and enduring through numerous periods of conflict and upheaval. Nestled along the Neretva River, Mostar has served as a crossroads for civilizations, fostering a unique blend of traditions and customs.

Early Beginnings and Roman Rule

The origins of Mostar can be traced back to the ancient Illyrian tribe of the Daorsi, who established a settlement in the area around the 6th century BC. Later, the Romans conquered the region, incorporating it into their vast empire. Roman rule brought with it infrastructure development, including the construction of roads and bridges, laying the foundation for Mostar's future importance as a transportation hub.

Ottoman Era and Cultural Flourishing

Under Ottoman rule, the city flourished as a commercial and cultural center, attracting people from diverse backgrounds. The construction of the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) in 1566 further cemented Mostar's position as a major trading post along the caravan routes.

Austro-Hungarian Administration and Modernization

In 1878, the Austro-Hungarian occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina brought about modernization efforts in Mostar, with the introduction of Western-style architecture, infrastructure development, and educational reforms. However, the city also experienced increased ethnic and religious tensions.

World War I and Yugoslavia

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914 triggered the outbreak of World War I, plunging Mostar into a period of instability. The city changed hands between various armies during the war, suffering significant damage and displacement of its population.

After the war, Mostar became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, a period of relative stability and economic growth. The city continued to attract immigrants from various parts of Yugoslavia, further diversifying its cultural landscape.

Siege of Mostar and the Bosnian War

The collapse of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s unleashed a series of ethnic conflicts, including the Bosnian War. Mostar endured a brutal siege from 1992 to 1995. The city was divided along ethnic lines, with the Stari Most becoming a symbol of the division and destruction.

Despite the hardships, the people of Mostar demonstrated remarkable resilience, preserving their cultural traditions and maintaining a sense of community amidst the siege.

Post-War Reconstruction and Renewal

The Dayton Agreement in 1995 brought an end to the Bosnian War, paving the way for reconstruction and reconciliation efforts in Mostar. The iconic Stari Most was painstakingly rebuilt, symbolizing the city's determination to heal and move forward.

Today, Mostar stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. The city has made significant strides in rebuilding its infrastructure, revitalizing its economy, and promoting cultural diversity. While the scars of the past remain, Mostar has embraced its role as a beacon of hope and unity in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

SpaceX Starship Second Launch: Image Collection | SpaceX Starbase in Texas
FriendsofNASA.org | View full-size images: https://www.friendsofnasa.org/2023/11/spacex-starship-second-launch-image.html | SpaceX: "Starship successfully lifted off under the power of all 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy Booster and made it through stage separation."

For the second flight test of a fully integrated Starship, SpaceX used a Super Heavy rocket booster to launch a Starship upper stage, from Starbase in Texas, on November 18, 2023, at 8am EST. According to SpaceX, Starship is a fully reusable transportation system, designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond.

SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket—collectively referred to as Starship—represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship will be the world’s most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry up to 150 metric tonnes to Earth orbit reusable, and up to 250 metric tonnes expendable.

"Starship is essential to both SpaceX’s plans to deploy its next-generation Starship system as well as for NASA, which will use a lunar lander version of Starship for landing astronauts on the moon during the Artemis III mission through the Human Landing System (HLS) program."

Key Starship Parameters:
Height: 120m/394ft
Diameter: 9m/29.5ft
Payload to LEO: 100 – 150 t (fully reusable)

Capabilities:
Satellites: "Starship is designed to deliver satellites further and at a lower marginal cost per launch than our current Falcon vehicles. With a payload compartment larger than any fairing currently in operation or development, Starship creates possibilities for new missions, including space telescopes even larger than the James Webb."

Raptor Engine Parameters:
Diameter: 1.3m/4ft
Height: 3.1m/10.2ft
Thrust: 230tf/500 klbf

Download the Free Starship User Guide (PDF):
https://www.spacex.com/media/starship_users_guide_v1.pdf

Credit: Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)
Release Date: Nov. 18, 2023

#NASA #SpaceX #Space #Earth #Moon #ArtemisIII #Mars #Starship #SuperHeavyBooster #ElonMusk #GwynneShotwell #Science #SpaceTechnology #Engineering #HumanSpaceflight #CommercialSpace #Starbase #BocaChica #Texas #SolarSystem #SpaceExploration #UnitedStates #STEM #Education

Iconic Venetian canals dry up as Italy prepares for drought

The famous canals in Venice, Italy, dry up during the winter due to the absence of rain and snow.

Known for its canals, bridges, and water taxis, Venice experiences unusually low tide, making transportation difficult.

Traditional gondola rides were also affected.

"The phenomenon is not that uncommon," said Ca' Foscari, associate professor of oceanography and atmospheric physics at the University of Venice.

(Epa, Reuters)

Aerial images of the quake-hit areas in southeastern Türkiye show wide cracks — slicing across fields, roads, streams and hillsides — caused by the massive earthquakes that struck the region on February 6, 2023.

A video captured huge fissures dividing an olive grove into two in a field bisected by a fault line in the Altinoz district of Hatay city.

In addition to the collapse of thousands of buildings, the deadly earthquakes led to the destruction of roads and railways, along with Hatay’s airport and Iskenderun port, causing days-long transportation delays. #TurkiyeQuakes

𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭

Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States H.E. Baghdad Amreyev participated in the 6th Summit of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) which took place on 13 October 2022 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Chaired by the President of Kazakhstan H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the CICA Summit was attended by President of Azerbaijan H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of Kyrgyzstan H.E. Sadyr Japarov, President of Turkiye H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Uzbekistan H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Belarus H.E. Aleksandr Lukashenko, President of Iran H.E. Ebrahim Raisi, President of Palestine H.E. Mahmoud Abbas, President of Russia H.E. Vladimir Putin, President of Tajikistan H.E. Emomali Rahmon, Emir of Qatar H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Prime Minister of Pakistan H.E. Shehbaz Sharif, Vice President of China H.E. Wang Qishan, Vice President of Vietnam H.E. Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, Ambassadors and heads of international organizations. Secretary General of the United Nations H.E. António Guterres delivered his video address to the participants.

In his keynote address, President Tokayev stated that despite the ongoing geopolitical challenges the CICA continues developing dynamically and expanding the horizons of cooperation among its participants.

He also stressed that Kazakhstan, as presiding country of CICA, intends to further promote dialogue and cooperation aimed at mutual trust and security in Asia.

Following the address of President Tokayev, the Heads of State/Government of the CICA participating states addressed the participants. In this framework the Heads of State of the OTS Member States, that are party to CICA, also delivered their speeches.

In his address President Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan significantly contributes to the development of the East-West and North-South transportation corridors.

President Japarov noted that within the framework of CICA, the Kyrgyz side is ready for the practical implementation of the provisions of the Statement of Leaders on Cooperation in the field of ICT security and their use.

President Erdogan underlined that the global security architecture should be reshaped with a new understanding that is more just, equitable and inclusive.

President Mirziyoyev called to pay a special attention to the situation in Afghanistan, that on the background of other acute international challenges, began fading.

Secretary General Amreyev in his address to the Summit, expressed the OTS’s support to the proposal on CICA’s transformation into an international organization, taking into account that CICA is the only pan-Asian platform aimed at enhancing peace, security and stability in entire Asian continent as well as the fact that all Member States of the OTS are active members in CICA.

Adoption of Astana Statement on CICA Transformation became one of the key outcomes of the CICA summit.

On the margins of the summit Secretary General held a number of bilateral meetings with high-level participants to discuss the ongoing and perspective cooperation with the OTS.

Metin Can
Ekonomi ve Teknoloji Yazarı/Konuşmacı
Arkamda gördüğünüz borular sıradan değil. Yakın gelecekte içinden saatte 1.200 km hızla trenler geçecek. Elon Musk'ın başlattığı ve Dünyada yeni bir çağ açması beklenen Hyperloop projesinin en güçlü partnerlerinden biri Airbus ve Hitachi ile birlikte Erciyas Holding oldu. Aslında Erciyas Holding bu projede olmak zorunda idi. Zira dünyada 4 metre çapında seri üretim boru imal edecek başka firma bulunmuyor.
1.200 km hıza ulaşabilmek için sıfıra yakın vakum ortamı olması gerekiyor. Bu nedenle Burada gördüğünüz prototip boruların içinde hava olmayacak.
İçindeki trenler mıknatıs sistemi ile temassız olarak ilerleyecek.
Hyperloop dünyada yeni bir çağ başlatacak ve görüldüğü üzere artık bir hayal değil üretim süreci başlayan bir ürün. Ve içinde Türk bir firmanın olması elbette guru verici.
Proje hayat geçtiğinde İstanbul ile İzmir arası 20 dakikaya Amsterdam 2 saate düşecek. Direk şehrin içine gireceğinden havalimanına ulaşma gibi zaman kaybı da yok.

Erciyas Holding Ceo'su Emre Erciyas ve Kurumsal İlişkiler Direktörü Mehmet Örgen ile TÜBİTAK Gebze kampüsündeki TEKNOFEST Hyperloop etkinliğinde buluştuk. Grup şirketleri Erciyas Çelik Boru ile projeye 2017’de dahil olduklarını ve bu sene başında büyük çaplı Hyperloop boru hattı tedarikçisi ve yatırımcısı olmak üzere HyperloopTT ile bir anlaşma imzaladıklarını belirten Emre Erciyas, şunları söyledi:

“Projenin yürütücüsü Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) ile yaptığımız iş birliği kapsamında Hyperloop Projesi’nin çelik boru tedarikçisi olduk. Dünyada ilk defa 5 kilometrelik gerçek boyutlu fonksiyonel prototip Hyperloop hattı için çalışmaları devam eden projede şirket olarak, boru satın alınmasından tasarımına kadar birçok konuda son söz sahibiyiz."

#transportation #airbus #üretim #ceo #elonmusk #Hyperloop #erciyas #teknofest