Anna Chapman puts her glamour at the service of science at Eskişehir university

ESKİŞEHİR

Education Minister Nabi Avcı also attended the event marked by Anna Chapman's welcoming speech. AA photo

A former Russian spy who became a glamorous starlet after being uncovered in 2010 came to Turkey April 30, as the special guest of the Young Environmental Scientists Tournament, organized by Eskişehir's Osmangazi University.

Anne Chapman, dubbed "the red agent" by the Turkish media, gave a welcoming speech on behalf of the organizing committee before handing over the pulpit to Education Minister Nabi Avcı.

"I am here today because science helps me live longer," she said, emphasizing the importance of technology for environmental protection. "I want that there are more talented people who support the environment through science. That's why I am part of this formidable event. I am very happy to be here."

Chapman had visited Turkey on previous occasions as well, but for rather different purposes. Last June, she appeared on the catwalk at the Dossi Dossi fashion show in Antalya with the world-famous Victoria's Secret model Erin Heatherton.

Chapman told Doğan News Agency that she was here to stress the importance of investing in education. "It's very easy to invest in tourism because it bears its fruits very quickly. But investment in education takes years. However, in the end, it gives you marvelous fruits and the economic benefits are much higher," she said.

She also gave thanks for the presence of the education minister. "Turkish people are very hospitable. This is why this tournament has been organized here. The education minister supports it from the bottom's of his heart," Chapman said.

Needless to say, her presence did not go unnoticed on campus and created a buzz among students. Nevertheless, she said she was not aware of the sensation she had caused.

During the week-long tournament, 16 teams of students aged between 12 and 16 years old and coming from 11 different countries will compete to find the best ideas in physics, mathematics, chemistry and biology.