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6-8 May 2026 | 📍
Edirne, Türkiye
🏢 Workshop Venue: Edirne Commodity Exchange Meeting Hall (Edirne Ticaret Borsası)
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Opening: 10:30 AM, 6 May 2026
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Organized by Trakya Agricultural Research Institute and Edirne Directorate of Provincial Agriculture and Forestry, Edirne, Türkiye
Rice is one of the most important staple crops worldwide, playing a critical role in global food security. However, contemporary management practices combined with the impacts of climate change have introduced significant challenges to sustainable rice production, while technological advances have simultaneously created new opportunities for innovation.
Reduced water availability and increasing soil salinity, both intensified by climate change, represent major constraints on rice cultivation. In addition, weeds have become the most significant pest in conventional rice systems and are emerging as a primary challenge in drip-irrigated rice production. In additon, some diseases have been increasing.
Recent research efforts have focused on the development of rice varieties resistant to salinity, herbicides, and diseases; the optimization of drip irrigation systems; the breeding of high-yielding hybrid cultivars; and the early detection of biotic and abiotic stresses through artificial intelligence, optical sensing technologies, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Kassim Al-khatib from USA will deliver opening lecture on UAVs. He will share his practical experience and recent research findings with us, which can be useful for everyone from farmers to policy makers.
This workshop will primarily address these emerging challenges and technological advancements. Contributions presenting any innovative approaches and novel technologies applicable to rice cultivation are highly encouraged.
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Invited Speaker: Kassim Al-khatib, Prof. Dr., UC-Davis, USA The Use of Agricultural Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Rice Cultivation
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Contact Information:
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Workshop Contact E-mail: onur.goktepe@tarimorman.gov.tr
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Abstracts Submission E-mail: ahuludag@yahoo.com
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Important Days:
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No registration fee necessary
Click here for the detailed workshop program.
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Organizing Committee:
- Adnan Tülek, Assoc. Prof. Dr.
- İslam Köse
- Adnan Akcan
- Onur Göktepe, Secretariat
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Scientific Committee (in alphabetical order):
- Adnan Tülek, Assoc. Prof. Dr., Türkiye
- Ahmet Uludağ (head), Prof. Dr., Türkiye
- Banu Tülek, Dr., Türkiye
- Deniz İnci, Assist. Prof. Dr., USA
- Gökhan Çamoğlu, Prof. Dr., Türkiye
- İsmet Başer, Prof. Dr., Türkiye
- Jauhar Ali, Dr., Philippines
- Kamil Haliloğlu, Prof. Dr., Türkiye
- Markola Saulic, Dr., Serbia
- Mehmet Duman, Assoc. Prof. Dr., Türkiye
- Metin Tuna, Prof. Dr., Türkiye
- Muhamad Shakirin Mispan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Malaysia
- Necmi Beşer, Assoc. Prof. Dr., Türkiye
- Süleyman Gürdal Türkseven, Assist. Prof. Dr., Türkiye
- Sze-Loi Song, Assoc. Prof. Dr, Malaysia
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Accommodation:
For participants wishing to stay in Edirne during the workshop, there are various accommodation options available in the city center with easy access to the event venue. Considering the potential high occupancy during the event dates, we recommend making reservations early. Some hotel alternatives you may consider are listed below:
(Note: Accommodation arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the participants. You can contact the relevant hotels directly to obtain current availability and price information and complete your reservations.)
ABOUT EDİRNE
Serving as the gateway of Turkey opening to Europe, Edirne is strategically located on the borders of Greece and Bulgaria. Having served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire for nearly a century before Istanbul, the city is a magnificent open-air museum that carries the glory of the past to the present.
Today, with its fertile agricultural lands and its undisputed leadership in Turkey's rice production, Edirne is the most ideal host for the Rice Workshop 2026. The city offers an unforgettable experience to its visitors with its intersecting rivers (Meriç, Tunca, and Arda), historical stone bridges, majestic mosques, and traditional gastronomy.
CLIMATE & CLOTHING
(6-8 May 2026) During the workshop dates in early May, Edirne experiences a mild and pleasant spring climate. Average daytime temperatures range between 20°C and 25°C, while evening temperatures can drop to 10°C - 12°C. Occasional light spring showers are possible.
Clothing Suggestion: Smart-casual and comfortable clothing is recommended for the workshop sessions. It is highly advisable to bring a light jacket or sweater for the evenings, an umbrella or raincoat, and comfortable walking shoes for any field trips or exploring the city.
Edirne weather forecast
TRANSPORTATION TO & IN EDIRNE
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Getting to Edirne: Regular bus services are available from Istanbul Airport [IST] and central Istanbul bus terminals, taking approximately 2.5 hours to reach Edirne.
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Local Transportation: Transportation between the workshop venue [Edirne Commodity Exchange / Edirne Ticaret Borsası] and the city center is provided via taxis and public minibuses [ETUS]. Please note that cash is not accepted on minibuses; instead, a local public transit card called "KENT KART" or contactless credit/debit cards are used for payment. Taxis are available 24/7 and are a very practical and affordable option for short distances.
Please click on the image below to view the location of the Edirne Commodity Exchange
Edirne Municipality Transportation Services
From the Bus Terminal to the Trade Exchange
1. From the Bus Terminal to Tredaş [with Line 3A]:
First, take the line 3A [going towards Sarayiçi Campus] from the Bus Terminal and get off at the Tredaş stop.
2. From Tredaş to the Trade Exchange [with Line 6]:
Then, get off at the Tredaş stop and transfer to line 6, which goes towards the Closed Prison. This line will take you directly to the Trade Exchange stop.
From the Trade Exchange to the Bus Terminal
1. From the Trade Exchange to Tredaş [with Line 6]:
First, take the line 6 from the Trade Exchange towards Tredaş and get off at the Tredaş stop.
2. From Tredaş to the Bus Terminal [with Line 3A]:
Then, at the Tredaş stop, transfer to the line 3A, which goes towards the Bus Terminal. This line will take you directly to the Bus Station stop.
PLACES TO VISIT IN EDIRNE
• Selimiye Mosque: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this magnificent structure was built by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan, who called it his "masterpiece." Its massive dome and four slender minarets dominate the city skyline.
• Complex of Sultan Bayezid II Health Museum: Built in the 15th century, this complex served as a medical center where patients were treated using the sound of water, music, and aromas. Today, it is an impressive, award-winning medical history museum.
• Karaağaç and Old Train Station: Located just across the Meriç River, the Karaağaç district is famous for its tree-lined streets, historical houses, and cafes. The Old Train Station building is a stunning architectural piece now serving as a university faculty.
• Meriç Bridge: This historical stone bridge, completed in 1842, offers spectacular views, especially at sunset. You can relax at the tea gardens along the riverbanks.
• Historical Bazaars [Ali Paşa & Arasta]: Built centuries ago, these traditional covered markets are perfect for purchasing local souvenirs such as fruit-shaped soaps, traditional mirror brooms, almond paste, and Kavala cookies.