In 2013, two telescopes and their equipment were acquired through a project submitted to the Istanbul Development Agency (İSKA). With the support of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa AYDIN, the Rector, Prof. Dr. Yadigar İZMİRLİ, and the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Dr. Hamide ERTEPINAR, it was decided to establish an observatory at our university. The observatory building was completed in November 2016, and first light was achieved on November 27, 2016.
Considering that the university and observatory facilities were sufficient, an application was submitted for the establishment of the Space Sciences Application and Research Center (GÖKMER), and its establishment was completed following the approval of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Dr. Tülay ÖZDEN, Assistant Professor, has been serving as the Director of the Space Sciences Application and Research Center since 2022, while Devran KORKMAZ, Lecturer, serves as Deputy Director. Our university students also continue to serve as support staff: Cansu ORDULUOĞLU, Melike ÖZTÜRK, Ayşen ŞAHİN, and Yaşar KOLKIRAN, all Student Assistants.
The observatory serves all students of Istanbul Aydın University as well as Istanbul Aydın University Children’s University. In addition, it provides services throughout the year to all schools across Istanbul, from preschool to high school, subject to making an appointment. Our center maintains its distinction as the only foundation university in Istanbul Province with an observatory. Furthermore, conferences, seminars, and symposiums on space sciences are organized, contributing to public awareness in this field. Our center will continue to play an important role in observing significant astronomical events and sharing them with the public.
Dr. Tülay ÖZDEN
Director of the Space Sciences Application and Research Center