The opening ceremony of the internationally attended symposium took place with the participation of Denizli Governor Ömer Faruk Coşkun and Pamukkale University Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör. The program began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, followed by opening speeches.

The first speeches were delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Bülbül, faculty member of PAU Faculty of Engineering, Department of Geological Engineering and Director of the Geothermal Application and Research Center, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natalia Vinograd from the Russian State Hydrometeorological University.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bülbül: “Türkiye has 63 registered geothermal power plants and a total electricity generation capacity of approximately 1,691 megawatts.”

In his speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Bülbül stated: “The Commission on Mineral and Thermal Waters (CMTW), established within the International Association of Hydrogeologists, has been organizing workshops and symposiums in different countries for nearly a decade. Having previously been held in the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Italy, the 4th Multidisciplinary Symposium on Mineral and Thermal Waters is being organized in Türkiye for the first time, hosted by Pamukkale University and coordinated by our Geothermal Application and Research Center.

Our province, Denizli, possesses rich potential in terms of mineral and thermal waters. Türkiye has 63 registered geothermal power plants with an electricity generation capacity of approximately 1,691 megawatts. In addition to meeting our fundamental energy needs, mineral and thermal waters have created unique natural wonders such as the world heritage site Pamukkale Travertines, Kaklık Cave, and Karahayıt Travertines. These thermal waters are also used for balneological and recreational purposes in the tourism sector and in greenhouse cultivation, contributing to food security. Moreover, thermal waters are used for urban heating and for the extraction of valuable industrial minerals such as boron, lithium, halite, thenardite, and polyhalite. They are also bottled for therapeutic drinking purposes.

MINWAT 2025 aims to provide a broad platform for knowledge, technology, and idea exchange, as well as joint project collaborations among professionals, scientists, academics, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders in the mineral water and geothermal sectors. The symposium seeks to foster cooperation in the exploration, assessment, and sustainable use of mineral and thermal waters. With distinguished scientists from Russia, Italy, Slovenia, Poland, Morocco, and Switzerland, we at Pamukkale University aspire to act as a bridge of peace and science among nations. Our goal is to expand international collaborations, develop joint projects, and advance as a university of science and technology. I would like to thank our sponsors Kurita, Levare ESP, Alsera, Akça Enerji, Tüprag, İlayda Tekstil, Umut Thermal Hotel, the Chamber of Geological Engineers (JMO), and our collaborators, including the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), the Provincial Directorate of Environment, and the Provincial Directorate of Culture.”

Rector Prof. Dr. Güngör: “This international symposium establishes a collaborative platform for the study, assessment, and sustainable use of mineral and thermal waters.”

PAU Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör stated: “We are pleased to host the 4th Multidisciplinary Symposium on Mineral and Thermal Waters, organized by the International Association of Hydrogeologists. Denizli has a rich potential in mineral and thermal waters, which not only meet energy needs—the foundation of civilization and progress—but also create the unique Pamukkale Travertines, Kaklık Cave, and Karahayıt Travertines. The mineral waters in Karahayıt are used for balneological purposes at our Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center, as well as for recreation in tourist facilities.

As an international event, MINWAT 2025 fosters knowledge exchange among scientists, practitioners, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders, while creating a platform for the study, assessment, and sustainable use of mineral and thermal waters. We are honored to host valuable scientists from Russia, Italy, Slovenia, Poland, Morocco, and Switzerland. As Pamukkale University, we aspire to serve as a bridge of peace and science among nations. Our doors are always open to esteemed scientists. Welcome to the 4th MinWat2025 Symposium hosted by our university.”

Following the opening remarks, plaques were presented to event sponsors by Governor Ömer Faruk Coşkun, while Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör presented a plaque of appreciation to DSİ Denizli Branch Director Kemal Özsoy.

The opening ceremony concluded with the plaque presentation, after which the symposium continued with its first session.

For more information about the symposium, please visit https://www.pau.edu.tr/pau/tr/etkinlik/iah-minwat2025-sempozyumu.