BAUMUS Visited Kandilli Observatory as Part of Awareness Month

Within the scope of the SOC2001 Urbanization course, BAUMUS organized a technical visit to Kandilli Observatory to raise disaster awareness and examine scientific observation processes on site.

During the visit, where theoretical knowledge was reinforced with field experience, examinations were carried out in many different areas, from earthquake simulation to meteorological observations. The highlights of the visit are as follows:

• Disaster Awareness and Simulation: Experts informed visitors about the importance of earthquake-resistant buildings and the risk-reduction measures to be taken in living spaces (securing furniture, etc.). In the subsequent simulation, participants had the opportunity to experience a possible earthquake in a controlled environment.

• Examining Scientific Heritage: In the observatory museum, seismic and astronomical measuring instruments used from the past to the present were examined, and the historical development of measurement technologies was analyzed.

• Sky and Atmosphere Observations: Technical details were learned about the observation of sunspots through refracting telescopes and the working principles of meteorological measurement stations.

A Multifaceted Perspective: This technical visit, where different disciplines such as seismology, meteorology and astronomy were observed together, contributed to evaluating natural phenomena from a holistic perspective. While this interdisciplinary relationship remains relevant in scientific research, field observations helped raise awareness of disaster literacy.

Emphasis on a Resilient Society: The visit once again emphasized that in Türkiye, an earthquake-prone country, the way to minimize losses is to build a conscious society and resilient structures. The event concluded by reinforcing awareness of social responsibility against disasters.