Beneath our feet lies a story of precision. It is also about scientific pursuit at the Geodetic and Magnetic Observation Station. This seemingly quiet place holds a key to understanding our planet. The Geodetic and Magnetic Observation Station is not just a building. It represents Istanbul’s commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the Earth.
Kandilli Observatory houses this station. The Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute is its formal name. It is known as KOERI too. This Turkish observatory specializes in earthquake research. It sits in Istanbul’s Üsküdar district. The observatory overlooks the Bosphorus from atop a hill.
Established in 1868, the observatory was originally the Imperial Observatory. It focused on weather forecasting and accurate timekeeping. In 1909 rebels destroyed the observatory during the 31 March Incident. Professor Fatin Gökmen was tasked with reestablishing it in 1910. He chose the present location. Systematic research began on July 1 1911. The name “Kandilli Observatory Astronomy and Geophysics” was adopted in 1940. Boğaziçi University annexed the observatory in 1982. It was later renamed Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute.
The Geodetic and Magnetic Observation Station is part of KOERI. It includes departments, laboratories, and other facilities. The campus also features an earthquake museum. There is also the National Earthquake Monitoring Center. Further facilities include a magnetics monitoring station. A disaster preparedness education unit exists too. The Sun Tower is another feature. The Institute for Biomedical Engineering also resides here. So does the Telecommunication and Informatics Research Center.
KOERI also runs centers outside the campus. There is the Belbaşı Nuclear Tests Monitoring Center in Ankara Province. Also, the İznik Center for Reducing of Earthquake Damages in Bursa Province.
The Imperial Observatory had meteorology and timekeeping as main activities. Aristide Coumbary was the director. The weather forecasts were sent by telegraph. Demetrios Eginitis was invited for consulting after the Great Istanbul Earthquake. G. Agamemnone stayed as an advisor. He founded the “Ottoman Empire Earthquake Service”.
Professor Fatin Gökmen re-established the observatory in 1911. It then also became dedicated to astronomy and geophysics. Gökmen studied the Hijri lunar calendar’s months. Since the end of 1925, it was used as the official calendar.
The observatory holds an impressive collection of scientific instruments and manuscripts. Fatin Gökmen later moved his books to the Süleymaniye Library.
Mehmed Fatin Gökmen served as director from 1910 to 1943. Other directors were Bedii Bey, Salih Zeki Bey, and Aristide Coumbary. Instruments include meteorological and seismological devices. Seismographs came from Italy. Timekeeping used a star clock with pendulum and theodolite. This was to adjust clocks in Istanbul. A 20-cm refractor from Carl Zeiss of Jena was added in 1935.
The observatory is well preserved. It also has a good collection of scientific instruments.
Today the Kandilli Observatory remains active in astronomy. The Geodetic and Magnetic Observation Station plays a crucial role. It helps us understand the Earth’s movements and magnetic fields. This allows for better predictions and preparedness. As we stand here, imagine the dedicated scientists. They work tirelessly within these walls. They monitor, analyze, and interpret data that shapes our understanding of the world. The Geodetic and Magnetic Observation Station continues to contribute to our knowledge. It is about the planet we call home.