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NASA TOUR (Alanya) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Nasa Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

NASA Says This Lake Is Like Being on Mars—and Turkey Wants to Save It From Tourists

Until recently, tourists could swim in the Beyaz Adalar part of the lake, climb on the structures, and camp on the beach.

Katie Nadworny

Y aǧmur Güneş wanted to study Mars. On an exchange year spent in the U.S., she’d encountered the concept of planetary geology and was completely fascinated. “I didn’t know that I could practice geology beyond Earth,” says Güneş. Soon, she shifted her science studies to focus on Martian analogs, places on Earth that share physical or geological features with the red planet.

“Whatever I’m working on, I’m always trying to make connections about Mars, trying to understand what I know, thinking about Mars,” she says.

“I think it’s very interesting to try to understand a planet that I’m not living on, especially Mars,” says Güneş, “because it is known that Mars and the Earth were very alike. They are like sisters and twins, like brothers.”

When she returned to her studies in Turkey as a PhD student in geomicrobiology at Istanbul Technical University, it turned out that Güneş was ideally positioned to study a planet millions of miles away.

“There was a headline [in our department] that said, if you’re curious about Mars, go to Lake Salda.”

Lake Salda, a freshwater lake located in the southwest of Turkey, has always been striking for its unusual beauty. Nicknamed “the Maldives of Turkey” thanks to its unusual white sand and water that dances between deep navy blue and turquoise, Lake Salda has drawn visitors in the past who were eager to swim in the clear water, walk or camp on the white shore, and admire the unusual formations at the Beyaz Adalar section of the lakefront. But in August of 2019, the lake drew a different kind of visitor: NASA.

It turns out that Lake Salda is the only known lake on Earth to share features with Mars’ Jezero Crater, where NASA landed the Perseverance Rover in February 2021. In anticipation of that mission, NASA dispatched a team of U.S.- and Turkey-based scientists to do fieldwork at Lake Salda, a team that included Yaǧmur Güneş. By studying the geology and mineralogy of Lake Salda, NASA researchers were able to gain insight into the potential layout—and potential traces of life—at the Jezero Crater. When NASA announced the connection between Lake Salda and Jezero Crater, a lake that was little known outside of Turkey quickly found itself thrust into international prominence.

Turkish news sites trumpeted the lake’s extraterrestrial connection. NASA published blog posts about the successful rover launch’s connection to Anatolia. But the attention highlighted a conflict that had been simmering under the surface about tourism, environmentalism, development, and the government.

The main tourism attraction at Lake Salda has always been Beyaz Adalar, the whitest stretch of beach with pillowy white rock structures that rise above the lake. It’s also been the main draw for scientists. Beyaz Adalar feels like a lush moonscape, blazing white with stones that look like bleached brains, or discarded coral. The structures where the NASA scientists study are rough white protrusions that used to be covered with water. Those structures contain geological clues about Lake Salda, and by extension, about Mars.

“Lake Salda is very important in terms of its unique hydro-geological formations,” says Dr. Sedat Kalem, conversation director of World Wildlife Fund Turkey. “The current forms of cyanobacteria, which are considered as the first life forms on Earth, are still active here. It is a rare example, which imposes a big responsibility of meticulously protecting this heritage on our shoulders.”

Until recently, tourists could swim in the Beyaz Adalar part of the lake, climb on the structures, and camp on the beach. But that changed with a controversial government initiative to redevelop Lake Salda in a way that promotes tourism while protecting the environment.

Alperen Kerkuklu is the project site control engineer for the Salda Lake Conservation Project, which launched in 2019. At that time, the lake was designated a special protected site at the highest levels of government, and plans were made to both protect the nature and control the desired influx of tourists. Kerkuklu helped design the new plan for Lake Salda, with an eye towards minimizing the previous damage tourists were doing to the environment without shutting down tourism completely.

The development plan from the government shut down many of the businesses that had sprung up along the lake, replacing them with kiosks that will sell souvenirs and Turkish snacks like gozleme, a savory crepe. Raised wooden walkways have been put in place to guide visitors, and wooden boundaries along the shore have been set up to prevent cars from driving directly to the water’s edge. Instead, there is a new parking lot two kilometers away from Beyaz Adalar, and an electric trolley to ferry visitors to the beach. New buildings that will contain restaurants and facilities have also been built.

“We need to do this to control the tourists,” says Kerkuklu, “Otherwise, if you don't do this project, everybody will attack the lake.”

The project has been greeted skeptically by environmentalists and a community that has learned to be wary of government development projects. There is precedent for their skepticism, as nature and heritage have often been the casualty of development in Turkey, from the attempted destruction of Istanbul’s Gezi Park that launched nationwide anti-government protests in 2013, to the submersion of the historic town of Hasankeyf , to recent controversial development in the Black Sea province of Rize . Feryal Cevikoz, a journalist and activist who started a petition to protect Lake Salda, summed up a common line of thought about these sort of environmentally disruptive projects: “If the government is doing something, I can’t believe that it’s going to be something good.”

However, Kerkuklu’s design tries to balance the need to protect nature and tourism.

Before the project began in 2019, cars could drive up to the edge of the water and people commonly barbecued, smoked, and camped on the beach, inevitably leaving their litter behind. Now, Beyaz Adalar is almost completely blocked off and the beach has been mostly cleared of human litter, while those who wish to swim can go to other sections of the lake, including the Halk Plaji beach. The only way to see any of the Beyaz Adalar side of the lake is to take an electric trolley from the designated parking lot to a tiny spit of white beach two kilometers away, where tourists can pose next to two bright blue “SALDA” signs and see the lake as a background, in the distance. Boundary ropes and posts are supposed to prevent tourists from going to the lake.

How effective these restrictions will be is still a question. Over the Eid al-Adha holiday in July, five people were fined for vandalizing the lake by taking mud baths and smoking , two things that are prohibited. Signs and wooden barriers can only do so much to protect a lake that visitors feel entitled to enjoy any way they like.

Incidents like this contribute to the feeling that tourism shouldn’t be allowed at the lake at all, at least not in its current form. Mustafa Şahin is a lawyer registered with the Antalya Bar Association, and he is one of the lawyers who filed a case to stop the government development at Lake Salda. He believes that blocking off access to Beyaz Adalar is not enough to protect the delicate ecosystem of the lake.

“This area should be opened to visitors with the meticulousness of a museum. And it should be evaluated as a research center and taken under protection,” says Şahin. “Access to the lake should be prohibited, and walking on the white dunes should be prohibited.”

Dr. Kalem believes a more sustainable form of tourism could protect the environment at Lake Salda. “Visitation should be limited as per carrying capacity and focus more on educational activities rather than overusing it for smokey picnic or swimming,” he says. “Again, effective management, protection and good monitoring are crucial for a sustainable outcome.”

Even as the project nears completion, the tension remains. Kerkuklu was attacked by two locals in June who disagreed with his work at Lake Salda. Perhaps it won’t be possible to bridge the communication divide in a country that is so polarized and mistrustful of government projects, or to find the balance between allowing tourism and protecting nature.

But these days, Beyaz Adalar is blissfully quiet, with the people-free beach stretching out in an endless ribbon of white. The sky is filled with the soft chirp of birds and tiny clusters of small silver fish dart through the clear turquoise water, no longer disturbed by humans.

Güneş, the scientist, thinks that it should be possible to both protect and enjoy Lake Salda, as long as the unique structures at Beyaz Adalar are safe. “There has to be a time and place for all the tourists’ visits,” says Güneş. “I don’t think it should all be banned, because—it’s not a professional opinion—I just don’t like the idea of banning people from somewhere very beautiful just because it’s scientifically interesting.”

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast  here .

10 of the best places to visit in Türkiye

Dec 14, 2023 • 6 min read

Plan your visit to Türkiye with these top places to see © rudi_suardi / Getty Images

The eclectic city of Istanbul, the fantastical rock forms of Cappadocia, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the glimmering Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines are Türkiye ’s biggest draws, but each region of the country has something distinct to offer.

The diversity of landscapes, heritage and culinary culture will surprise those who have never ventured beyond holiday resorts and the beach. Even though it’s easy to get around Türkiye , the country has too much to see and do to tackle it all on one trip. Because most domestic flights route through Istanbul, spend at least a few days in this dynamic global metropolis before heading out to one of our other top places to visit in Türkiye.

1. Istanbul

Best for ancient sites and modern neighborhoods

One of the world’s greatest cities, Istanbul should be on every traveler’s must-visit list. Highlight sights like the grand Byzantine basilica Aya Sofya , often called Hagia Sophia in English, and the Ottoman sultans’ lavish Topkapı Palace attest to the city’s centuries-long history as the capital of powerful empires.

But set aside some time to experience Istanbul as it is today, too. Go cafe- or bar-hopping in the hip Kadıköy neighborhood, wander the backstreets of more conservative Fatih or peruse contemporary art in Beyoğlu . Don’t forget the simple pleasure of drinking çay (tea) on the ferry while taking in spectacular views of the city.

Planning tip:  You could easily spend your entire vacation in Istanbul, but if you have the time, it's worth venturing further afield in search of other Turkish delights.

2. Cappadocia

Best for its unique landscape

Cappadocia is a geological wonderland in the center of Türkiye. The history of early Christians in Anatolia comes alive at the Göreme Open-Air Museum and the other cave churches and underground cities scattered around the valley. Romance blossoms in the area’s cozy cave hotels and restaurants, not to mention sunrise balloon rides complete with a champagne toast. Adventure awaits amid the green valleys and undulating rocks for hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners .

3. Turquoise Coast

Best for history lovers and beaches

Yes, Türkiye's  Mediterranean coastline between Fethiye and Antalya is full of beautiful places for sun, sea and sand vacations , but it’s also dappled with evidence of the ancient civilizations that once populated the area. The seaside ruins of Patara (which boasts one of Türkiye's best beaches too) and Phaselis are particularly picturesque, and the rock tombs of Myra are especially impressive. The Antalya Museum offers good insights into the region’s history. Explore by sea on a gület cruise, on foot along the Lycian Way hiking path or by driving the scenic (but winding!) coastal roads.

4. Eastern Black Sea and Kaçkar Mountains

Best for rural traditions

The rough, cold waters of the Black Sea aren’t particularly inviting, but turn your gaze inland, where lush green valleys spill down to the coast from high peaks, to see the region’s appeal. The lower elevations are home to most of Türkiye's tea and hazelnut production, while the high plateaus ( yaylalar ) like Pokut , that were once used as summer pastures for livestock, are becoming popular with tourists seeking out scenic views and a taste of traditional Black Sea culture and cuisine. Further above, the Kaçkar Mountains offer spectacular trekking in summer for experienced hikers.

Planning tip:  Trabzon, home to the cliff-side Sumela Monastery , is the area’s main hub for air travel.

5. Southeastern Anatolia

Best for culture and food

The often-overlooked southeastern Anatolia region is one of Türkiye's cultural – and culinary – stars. The cities of Gaziantep and Antakya (Hatay) are famed for their food, and both also boast museums with incredible collections of Roman mosaics. Mardin ’s picturesque, well-preserved old town also makes a great base for exploring the monasteries and Roman ruins in the surrounding area. The world’s oldest religious site, Göbeklitepe , lies just outside of Şanlıurfa, which has its own fine archaeology museum and bazaar .

6. Datça and Bozburun peninsulas

Best for relaxation

Chilling out and getting back to nature is the order of the day on the remote  Datça and Bozburun peninsulas in the south Aegean. In place of the boisterous nightlife of nearby Bodrum and Marmaris, you’ll find miles of dramatic rocky coastline, scenic rural villages, and small, quiet beach resorts and seaside towns.

Planning tip:  The Carian Trail long-distance hiking path encircles both peninsulas. Check before setting out as some sections of the route were inaccessible following wildfire damage in the summer of 2021.

7. Türkiye's far east

Best for rugged beauty

The vast landscapes of Türkiye's far east have a remote ruggedness unmatched elsewhere in the country. Perhaps best known to travelers as the terminus of the Doğu Ekpresi (Eastern Express) , a popular and scenic overnight train trip from Ankara , the border city of Kars retains striking architecture from its years as a Russian outpost in the 1800s. Nearby are the extensive and evocative UNESCO-listed ruins of Ani , an ancient Armenian capital.

A three-hour drive south will take you to the remote İshak Paşa Palace , passing by the fabled Mt Ararat (Ağrı Dağı) en route. Continue on to Van , where you can fuel up on one of the city’s famously elaborate breakfast spreads before visiting the fine museum in town and taking a day excursion to Akdamar Kilisesi , a masterfully decorated Armenian church and monastery complex on a small island in Lake Van.

8. Gallipoli and the North Aegean

Best for WWI history and ancient Troy

Cemeteries devoted to the tens of thousands of soldiers who died in bloody battles on the Gallipoli Peninsula during WWI are scattered around bucolic rolling hills, all the more poignant amidst such serenely beautiful landscapes.

The area is also the gateway to Türkiye's North Aegean coast, a more relaxed alternative to the Mediterranean where you can take a leisurely tour of pleasant seaside towns like Ayvalık and Foça, the island wineries of Bozcaada, the ancient city of Troy (with its standout museum ) and the spectacularly sited hilltop acropolis of Bergama .

9. Safranbolu

Best for Ottoman atmosphere

Named for the saffron that was grown and traded here for centuries, Safranbolu is today popular with visitors who come to soak in its old Ottoman atmosphere. Many of the town’s historic wood-framed mansions have been restored and converted into picture-perfect boutique hotels, cafes and restaurants.

Planning tip:  If it all starts to seem a little too cutesy, the canyons, waterfalls and woods of the nearby Yenice Forest are a natural tonic.

10. Pamukkale

Best for its ancient spa

The bright-white terraces of Pamukkale are surely one of the most photographed sites in Türkiye, incongruously gleaming above the rural town like freshly fallen snow. The warm mineral water that flows through them was the basis for the ancient spa city of Hierapolis , whose extensive remains sprawl out along the hilltop next to the famous travertines.

Planning tip:  Pamukkale also makes a good base for visiting other nearby ancient sites like Laodicea , Tripolis and – most notably – the gorgeous ruins of Afrodisias with its impressive collection of Roman marble sculptures.

This article was first published September 2021 and updated December 2023

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Astronaut’s Nighttime Odyssey: A Spectacular View of Antalya, Türkiye

By NASA Earth Observatory August 5, 2023

This nighttime photograph of Antalya, Türkiye, captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station on September 17, 2022, showcases its urban structures, natural landscapes, and vibrant coastal lights.

Urban infrastructure and natural areas stand in sharp contrast at night on the Mediterranean coast.

An astronaut aboard the International Space Station took this mesmerizing nighttime photograph of the coastal Mediterranean city of Antalya, Türkiye. Nighttime photographs taken by astronauts are a source of high-resolution and freely available imagery of Earth at night, and the images are often used for research on light pollution and urbanization . The photographs can delineate fine details of cities, such as street layouts, suburban areas, and areas without lights.

Turkey adopted its official name, Türkiye Cumhuriyeti , known in US English as the Republic of Turkey or more commonly as simply Turkey, upon the declaration of the republic on October 29, 1923. In 2021, via the UN, Turkey changed its spelling to Türkiye. try { window._mNHandle.queue.push(function (){ window._mNDetails.loadTag("974871025", "600x250", "974871025"); }); } catch (error) {}

Located on the southern coast of Türkiye, Antalya is the largest city in this view. The image contrasts brightly lit urban infrastructure against unilluminated parks and natural areas, such as the pentagonal Zeytinpark and surrounding mountain forests. Human-made structures identifiable by lighting patterns include an airport, highways, roads, and shipping ports.

The Taurus Mountains border Antalya to the north and northwest, recognizable in this image as extensive dark areas with small settlements speckled throughout. Agriculture along the Aksu River accounts for the dark space between Antalya and Serik. The Aksu River flows out of the Taurus Mountains, providing water to the community and for irrigating horticulture crops, including tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.

Bright lights in white, blue-green, and purple hues line the coast between Antalya and Serik. These lights are associated with popular tourist locations like resorts and beaches. White and blue hues often contrast with yellow tones in older cities as bright LED (light-emitting diode) lights replace warm-hued, high-pressure sodium lighting. Astronaut photography has been used to track spectral changes to city lights for various studies on environmental impacts and human-related changes across the globe.

Astronaut photograph ISS067-E-372979 was acquired on September 17, 2022, with a Nikon D5 digital camera using a focal length of 180 millimeters. It is provided by the ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Johnson Space Center. The image was taken by a member of the Expedition 67 crew. The image has been cropped and enhanced to improve contrast, and lens artifacts have been removed. The International Space Station Program supports the laboratory as part of the ISS National Lab to help astronauts take pictures of Earth that will be of the greatest value to scientists and the public, and to make those images freely available on the Internet. Caption by Sara Schmidt, GeoControl Systems, JETS Contract at NASA -JSC.

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Turkey unveils space program including 2023 moon mission

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks in Ankara, Turkey, late Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. Erdogan unveiled Tuesday an ambitious 10-year space program for his country, including missions to the moon, sending Turkish astronauts into space and developing internationally-competent satellite systems. (Turkish Presidency via AP, Pool)

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ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan unveiled an ambitious 10-year space program for his country Tuesday that includes missions to the moon, sending Turkish astronauts into space and developing internationally viable satellite systems.

Erdogan announced the program, seen as part of his vision for placing Turkey in expanded regional and global role, during a live televised event laced with special effects.

He said Turkey planned to establish “a first contact with the moon” in 2023, when the country marks the centennial of the founding of the Turkish republic. The first stage of the mission would be “through international cooperation,” while the second stage would utilize Turkish rockets, Erdogan said.

“Our primary and most important goal for our national space program is the contact of the Republic, in its 100th year, with the moon,” the Turkish leader said. “God willing, we are going to the moon.”

Erdogan also declared Turkey’s aim to send Turkish citizens into space with international cooperation, to work with other countries on building a spaceport and to create a “global brand” in satellite technology.

“I hope that this roadmap, which will carry Turkey to the top league in the global space race, will come to life successfully,” he said.

Turkey established the Turkish Space Agency, or TUA, in 2018, with the aim of joining the handful of other countries with space programs.

Critics have questioned the government’s decision to spend vast sums of money on that goal at a time when the country’s economy is suffering. But supporters say a space program will provide jobs for researchers and is likely to reduce the brain drain of emigrating scientists.

Erdogan did not provide details on how Turkey plans to achieve its goals. Last month, he and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk spoke by telephone and discussed cooperation on space technologies with Turkish companies.

Meanwhile, a metal monolith that mysteriously appeared and disappeared on a field in southeast Turkey turned out to be a publicity gimmick before the event.

The3-meter-high (about 10-feet-high) metal slab with the inscription “Look at the sky, you will see the moon” written in an ancient Turkic script was found Friday by a farmer in Sanliurfa province. The monolith was near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gobekli Tepe, which is home to megalithic structures dating to the 10th century B.C., thousands of years before Stonehenge.

The structure was reported gone Tuesday morning, adding to the mystery.

An image of the monolith was later projected on the screen as Erdogan said: “I now present to you Turkey’s 10-year vision, strategy and aims and I say, ‘Look at the sky, you will see the moon.’”

Robert Badendieck contributed from Istanbul

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• Spot The Station
• Sighting Opportunities / Sighting Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Sighting Location

Location: istanbul, turkey, embed the sighting opportunities widget on your website.

Display the upcoming dates and times for Istanbul, Turkey . Visit the widget page to learn more and for additional options.

Select the color theme for your widget and hit the “Show Code” button:

Copy and paste the code wherever you want the widget to appear on your website.

Sign Up Location: Istanbul, Turkey

*NASA is not responsible for any fees that may apply to your accounts registered for this service. Check your mobile carrier's website to learn more about their fees and email-to-sms support.

The following ISS sightings are possible from Wednesday Apr 24, 2024 through Thursday May 9, 2024

What am I looking for in the sky?

The space station looks like an airplane or a very bright star moving across the sky, except it doesn't have flashing lights or change direction. It will also be moving considerably faster than a typical airplane (airplanes generally fly at about 600 miles per hour; the space station flies at 17,500 miles per hour).

Below is a time-lapse photo of the space station moving across the sky.

Visit the NASA Johnson Flickr Photostream

How do I Spot The Station?

What does all this sighting information mean?

Time  is when the sighting opportunity will begin in your local time zone. All sightings will occur within a few hours before or after sunrise or sunset. This is the optimum viewing period as the sun reflects off the space station and contrasts against the darker sky.

Visible  is the maximum time period the space station is visible before crossing back below the horizon.

Max Height  is measured in degrees (also known as elevation). It represents the height of the space station from the horizon in the night sky. The horizon is at zero degrees, and directly overhead is ninety degrees. If you hold your fist at arm's length and place your fist resting on the horizon, the top will be about 10 degrees.

Appears is the location in the sky where the station will be visible first. This value, like maximum height, also is measured in degrees from the horizon. The letters represent compass directions -- N is north, WNW is west by northwest, and so on.

Disappears represents where in the night sky the International Space Station will leave your field of view.

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Turkey's first astronaut to embark on historic mission in January

Fighter pilot alper gezeravci is to spend about two weeks on the international space station.

Alper Gezeravcı has 15 years' flying experience on a variety of aircraft. Photo: Axiom Space

Turkey's first astronaut is poised to rocket into the record books as he prepares for a landmark space mission on January 9.

A SpaceX rocket will carry Alper Gezeravci, a 44-year-old fighter pilot with the Turkish Air Force, and three other crew to the International Space Station early in the new year.

He is due to spend about two weeks aboard the floating laboratory as part of the Axiom-3 (Ax-3) mission.

In 2022, Turkey signed a deal with Axiom Space, a Houston-based company that arranges space trips, with the aim of launching a citizen to coincide with its centenary celebrations.

Meet Turkey's first astronaut

Mr Gezeravci, who will serve as mission specialist on Ax-3, has a master's degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

He has 15 years' flying experience on a number of different aircraft, including the F-16 fighter.

Apart from his military career, he also served as captain with Turkish Airlines for seven years.

“I am honoured and humbled to be the first ever Turkish astronaut to go to space,” Mr Gezeravci said during a media briefing last month.

“This mission is going to put a remarkable footprint on our prideful centenary. It will solidify the unity of Turkish people – a nation which was devastated by a recent natural disaster.”

Record-setter among international crew

Michael Lopez-Alegria is a Spanish-American who currently serves as the chief astronaut at Axiom Space, and will serve as commander on this mission.

He is an experienced astronaut having flown on the first private mission by Axiom Space and on five Nasa missions, and also served as commander on the ISS.

He holds the Nasa record for the most number of spacewalks, a total of 10, and the cumulative time spent spacewalking, which stands at 67 hours and 40 minutes.

Walter Villadei is a colonel in the Italian Air Force and will serve as the pilot on this mission.

In June, he flew on a Virgin Galactic space tourism flight, in which he carried out research work.

He has received cosmonaut training in Star City, Russia, as a Soyuz flight engineer and on the Russian segment systems of the ISS.

Marcus Wandt, a Swedish Air Force fight pilot, will serve as another mission specialist aboard Ax-3.

Furthering knowledge

The astronauts are set to carry out more than 30 science experiments on the orbiting laboratory assigned to them by researchers.

One of them includes the Cosmic Brain Organoids project, which investigates the effects of microgravity on neural stem cells.

It aims to identify novel cellular pathways so that doctors can develop new therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative diseases.

The project will generate brain organoids, or small 3D aggregates of neural cells, using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients with Parkinson's Disease and primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

These organoids can be used to explore how the human nervous system develops or starts to degenerate.

Daily Sabah

• Performing Arts

Turks in space: Discovering country's history in astronomy 

By ali̇ tüfekçi̇.

Following Turkey's ambitious 10-year space road map that includes missions to the moon, let's explore the country's history of space studies 

Turkey announced its 10-year National Space Program last week, receiving widespread attention on both national and international media and social media. The subject has a cultural aspect, as well as its economic, political and scientific sides. There has been hype on social media for finding a Turkish version of space-related English words, the primary being the word “astronaut.”

The scientific world and culture-art world unite at some points. So, it is very likely that we will see productions dealing with space studies in painting, theater and cinema in the upcoming period. It is surely necessary that the history of science should be examined to give space studies a national aspect. Let us look at the sky and space studies that stand out in Turkish history.

Curiosity, need

Turkish history is actually familiar with space and astronomy studies. From the Göktürks to the Ottomans, Turks have a deep-rooted history of astronomy both scientifically and culturally.

As part of the post-Republican language revolution, Turks invented the word “gökbilim” to refer to “astronomy,” comprising of the Greek words "astron," meaning heavenly body, and "nomos," meaning laws. However, this concept did not work, and astronomy became widely used in Turkish. The Ottomans used the terms “ilm-i nücum,” “ilm-i hey’et” and “ilm-i felek” for it throughout Islamic history.

Going back to earlier periods, we see Turks have always dealt with the sky and the stars. As they were nomadic, they sorely needed to know the state of the days and seasons. Therefore, knowing astronomy was an obligation to regulate life for them. In old Turkish, there were many names of planets and horoscopes called “Ülker,” “Oŋay,” “Tilek,” “Temir Kazık,” “Yediger” and “Ülgü.”

The most obvious example of their interest in celestial bodies is highlighted in the “Epic of Oghuz Khan.” It narrates that Oghuz Khan, the legendary khan of the Turkic peoples, marries a girl who comes out of a light that descends from the sky to the earth. He names his children from this marriage Sun, Moon and Star.

A special value has been attributed to the sun and the moon, both of which are featured on the flags of many states. They are often used as a metaphor in both written and oral literature and in decorative arts.

A sacred value has been attributed to the sky as well. The ancient Turks believed in one God since they entered the historical scene. They called this God “Köktengri / Göktanrı,” literally meaning the owner of the skies. In fact, the sky here has a metaphysical meaning. According to this, there is only one God that is not limited to space and time outside the visible and invisible heavens, that is, the universe.

Divine encouragement

The interest in the sky, or rather in space, was not unique to the Turks. For many civilizations in ancient times, space was a special subject of curiosity. In the Middle Ages and before, the knowledge of astronomy and astrology was mixed. Those preoccupied with astronomy were considered soothsayers.

Islamic scholars played a big part in the separation of these two branches. After all, with the spread of Islam, astronomical studies in the Umayyad (661-750) and Abbasid periods (750-1258) made great progress. These endeavors were encouraged by a divine appeal, beyond simple curiosity or need that any civilization had.

Many parts of the Quran touch on celestial bodies, saying that everything in space is a sign of the power and might of Allah, just like living and non-living beings in nature. They also imply that the dimensions of these bodies and the harmony between them should be looked at and studied carefully and a lesson should be learned from them.

This divine encouragement also broadened the horizon of Turks who were already curious about the sky. Many Muslim scholars began to study astronomy. The books prepared by science historian professor Fuat Sezgin in Germany, which also received science awards, reveal all these developments.

Islamic Renaissance

The first serious studies in this field in Turkish history are observatories established during the time of the Great Seljuk Empire (1037–1194). The Shia Fatimids undertook intense scientific propaganda in addition to their political and military moves to destroy the Sunni Seljuks. During this period, the famous vizier, Nizam al-Mulk, started opening madrasas all over the Seljuk Empire to strengthen Sunni Islam and train the scholars needed by the state.

These structures established in Baghdad became an exemplary model for the entire Islamic world over time. One of the most famous scholars who taught for many years in these madrasas, which also pioneered astronomical studies, is the Islamic jurist Al-Ghazali. In one of his books, he says: “Anyone who does not know the sciences of anatomy and astronomy cannot understand the existence and might of Allah well.”

In this environment, astronomy was seen as a science that had to be learned to a certain level, and astrology was seen as a discipline based on interpretation. It was considered important to teach astronomy in madrasas to a certain level. Orientalists refer to all these scientific works in both the Sultanate of Rum (1077–1308) and the Great Seljuk periods as the “Renaissance of Islamic history.”

There are dark ages as well as golden ages for civilizations throughout history. Unfortunately, the Mongol invasions that reached as far as Baghdad destroyed all this scientific knowledge in the Seljuk Empire and plunged them into darkness. The works that scholars had written for years were ruined, with very few of them being saved. Historians say that the rivers Euphrates and Tigris first were red from blood and then ran black with ink.

Solar system in mosque

The Ottomans took over this ruined heritage and tried to develop it. They needed to make measurements of the sun the moon, stars and planets and wrote books on them. Fortunately, the educational approach established and continued by scholar Shams al-Din al-Fanari followed in the footsteps of Al-Ghazali ’s way of thinking and embraced exact sciences as well.

Although the transfer of scientific studies was interrupted, the astronomical works of those periods continued to impact the culture. As of the first century of the state, this impact prevailed, having reflections in various branches of art, from architecture to literature. For instance, a large mosque was built in Bursa, one of the first cities conquered by the empire, by Sultan Bayezid I, nicknamed “Yıldırım” (meaning Thunderbolt) between 1396-1400. The Great Mosque’s minbar, the pulpit where the Friday sermon is preached, features a kind of three-dimensional solar system embossed with highly aesthetic embroideries. The planets, including earth, are round in this relief. Astronomical elements like this are used as ornaments in many artifacts.

Ulugh Beg, a Timurid sultan and a famous astronomer and poet from Uzbekistan, is a special figure for Turkish history. Ali Qushji, one of his pupils, also had a special place in the history of Ottoman science. Thanks to the efforts of Sultan Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, Qushji was brought to Istanbul. Positive sciences were further revived when he started to give lectures in madrasas. Thus, the educational institutions established during the reign of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror made a great breakthrough in this field. These efforts came to fruition in the 16th century.

Understanding or opportunity?

Behind the power of the Ottoman Empire in the seas is this knowledge of astronomy and geography. In the Ottoman classical period, navigators improved astronomical studies further. Turkish navigators such as Piri Reis and Seydi Ali Reis contributed to this field both theoretically and practically with their works.

After the 17th century, the wars that the Ottomans fought due to the empire's geopolitical position, as well as internal revolts and its low population in proportion to its territory accompanied economic problems. So, it experienced a technical setback. But despite these, they closely followed modern astronomical studies in the West and translated them.

For example, Andreas Cellarius’ “Atlas Coelestis,” which was published for the first time in 1708, was translated into Turkish by Ibrahim Muteferrika by command of Sultan Ahmet III. Thus, an independent work dealing with old and new astronomy entered Ottoman literature.

By the 19th century, the efforts of Sultan Mahmud II to modernize educational programs proved quite successful. New astronomy concepts and information in great detail entered the literature through the contributions of Ottoman mathematician and engineer Hoca Ishak Efendi. But the lack of economic opportunities to go beyond this and political crises foiled many enterprises.

Time and possibilities will also show how far the space program announced for the next decade will go. All of this is directly related to the economy. Experts note that Turkey has set a horizon. In other words, the main goal is to pave the way for activities that ensure the development of the country in all areas, especially technology.

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Farming in Turkey’s Mountains

June 8, 2020

Tourists know Turkey’s Antalya province for its beautiful Mediterranean resorts, but coastal tourism isn’t the only major contributor to the region’s economy. Further inland, farming takes over as the dominant source of revenue and serves as the backbone for rural Turkey.

Turkey is home to nearly three million farms, the majority of which are family operated. Turkey is the world’s seventh largest agricultural producer overall, and a top exporter of hazelnuts, chestnuts, apricots, cherries, figs, and olives. Nearly one quarter of the country’s workforce participate in the agricultural sector.

The images show two important agricultural districts of the Antalya province as they appeared on June 8, 2020, to the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. Crop production in Antalya is valued around $270 million.

June 8, 2020 JPEG

The first image shows farms in the district of Elmalı, where the town of the same name sits at the top of a long upland valley. Elmalı, which means “apple,” produces around 12 percent of Turkey’s apples, as well as the local chickpea snack leblebi. The second image shows a portion of the district Korkuteli, where farmers plant grains and oil seeds.

The arrangement of the farms conforms to the terrain of the Antalya province, which is largely mountainous. Drawing the northern border of Antalya, the Taurus Mountains cut across the province in the east to west direction in an arc. Elmalı and Korkuteli are located in the Bey Dağları mountains, the western range of the Taurus Mountains.

More than two million people live in villages located within the Taurus Mountains and rely on farming as their major source of income. Because of the terrain, farms are typically small (about 4 hectares or 10 acres).

NASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey . Story by Kasha Patel.

View this area in EO Explorer

Fruit, grain, and nut farms curve around the western Taurus Mountains in the Antalya province.

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References & Resources

• Basbug, T. and Gul, M. (2016) Analysis of Cost and Profitability for Enterprises Engaged in Greenhouse Cultivation in Highland Conditions: the Case of Elmalı, Antalya. Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development. 16 (2), 19-26.
• Ekran, O. et al. (2001) Sustainable Development of Small-Scale Farmers of the Taurus Mountains of Turkey. (Aleppo, Syria: ICARDA)
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Turkey at a Glance. Accessed August 14, 2020.
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2003) Evaluation of activities of the private firms providing agricultural inputs with respect to extension in Elmalı and Korkuteli counties of Antalya province. Accessed August 14, 2020.

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