The launch event of the Artificial Intelligence Literacy Program, implemented through the cooperation of BTK Academy and the Ministry of National Education’s Directorate General for Innovation and Educational Technologies (YEĞİTEK), was held at BTK. The event, organized with the participation of Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan and President of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, was attended by many representatives from the public, education, and technology sectors.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan emphasized that the concept of literacy has undergone a significant transformation over the years, stating that this concept—once defined solely as the ability to read and write—now also includes the competence to access, analyze, and effectively use information.
Stating that artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming central to daily life and that the AI market is growing quickly, Sayan said, “The global artificial intelligence market reached 244 billion dollars in 2025. This figure is expected to rise to 312 billion dollars in 2026 and exceed 827 billion dollars by 2030. Similarly, while approximately 281 million people used AI tools in 2024, this number is projected to surpass 1 billion by 2031. In such a context, in the face of a technology that is growing this fast, reaching such broad audiences, and becoming an inseparable part of daily life, understanding it correctly, using it consciously, protecting against its risks, and making the most efficient use of the opportunities it offers has become more important than ever.”
Deputy Minister Sayan: We Must Be in a Position Not Only to Consume but Also to Produce
Emphasizing that AI literacy has three fundamental dimensions, Sayan said these are understanding, evaluating, and producing AI. Drawing attention to the importance of knowing how AI systems work, being able to analyze generated content from a critical perspective, and using them in line with ethical principles, Sayan also stated that individuals should be in a position not only to consume but also to produce.
Stating that the program was launched within the framework of the Türkiye Century Education Model, Sayan said, “Recognizing the critical importance of AI literacy today, we are implementing this training program through the cooperation of our Ministry of National Education’s YEĞİTEK Directorate General and BTK Academy, within the framework of the Türkiye Century Education Model. This program aims to raise individuals who use, understand, question, evaluate within ethical values, and produce artificial intelligence.”
President Karagözoğlu: Artificial Intelligence Is a Force Transforming Production and Decision-Making Processes
Speaking at the program, Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu emphasized that artificial intelligence is not merely a technology topic, stating that it has become a force transforming production processes and decision-making mechanisms.
Pointing out that many professions around the world have entered a process of transformation, Karagözoğlu said this process must be interpreted correctly and highlighted the importance of human resources capable of directing this transformation.
Karagözoğlu stated that six different online training programs prepared in cooperation with YEĞİTEK have been opened for access, noting that the program offers a model applicable in the field and that pilot implementations have initially been launched in 11 provinces.
Providing information on the training model, Karagözoğlu stated that teachers are at the center of the process and spoke about the importance of creating a structure in which teachers receive training and students develop projects.
Sharing data on Türkiye’s digital infrastructure, Karagözoğlu said that the number of internet users has exceeded 77 million, the number of broadband subscribers has reached 97 million, and the length of fiber infrastructure has surpassed 681 thousand kilometers. Karagözoğlu drew attention to the importance of supporting this infrastructure with value-added production.
Karagözoğlu stated that, as BTK, they are simultaneously focusing on infrastructure and human resources, emphasizing that BTK Academy is an important part of this approach.