The interdisciplinary research project “Digital Technologies, Cultural Heritage, Archaeology, Science Communication, and Ethics” is led by Faculty Member Asst. Prof. Dr. Sevil Hatice Baltalı Tırpan and includes Research Asst. Ecehan Aygül Gönül and MSc(c) Ege Şahindokuyucu from Department of Sociology.

 

The project aims to explore the public’s understanding of science to develop effective science communication methods and research ethics. It focuses on assessing the awareness levels of local communities and visitors regarding the preservation of cultural heritage and the role of digital technologies at the Kerkenes excavation site.

 

The Kerkenes Project, where Dr. Baltalı Tırpan serves as the Assistant President, is dedicated to the exploration of the largest ancient Phrygian city before the Hellenistic period, located in Yozgat’s Sorgun district. This groundbreaking initiative utilizes some of the most innovative digital heritage techniques and methods known globally.

 

By integrating digital technologies into archaeological research, the project aims to advance both science communication and the ethical practices surrounding cultural preservation.

Prof. Dr. Tuncay Zorlu from Department of Sociology, participated in the symposium The Ottoman Scientific Heritage: Past, Present, and Future, held at Harvard University. Organized by the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University and the Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation, the event celebrated the English edition of The Ottoman Scientific Heritage by Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu, translated by Maryam Patton.

 

During the symposium, Prof. Zorlu delivered a presentation titled Some Remarks on the Evolution of ‘Engineering’ in the Ottoman World. His speech provided a comprehensive overview of the historical development of engineering practices in the Ottoman Empire, emphasizing their impact on the socio-technical transformation of the period. He highlighted how Ottoman engineering served as a foundation for bridging traditional methods with emerging modern techniques, contributing to the empire's scientific and industrial advancements.

 

The symposium brought together leading scholars to discuss the Ottoman Empire's scientific legacy and its enduring influence on contemporary science and education.

As part of the Wesleyan University College of Social Sciences' Monday Lunch Talk Series, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Karataş presented a lecture titled "City, Empire, and Tariqa: Spatial Agency in the Formation of Ottoman Sufism”.

 

In his talk, Dr. Karataş explored the intricate relationships between urban spaces, imperial dynamics, and Sufi networks (tariqas) in shaping the spiritual and social dimensions of the Ottoman Empire. By highlighting the role of spatial agency, he provided new perspectives on how Sufism intersected with the political and cultural landscapes of the era.

 

This engaging discussion offered valuable insights into the historical interplay of religion, empire, and urbanization, contributing to ongoing conversations in Islamic studies and Ottoman history.

The article titled “The Archive as a Battlefield for the Future: Anti-colonial Struggles and Insurgent Temporality” published in South Atlantic Quarterly, critically examines what it means to engage with the artifacts of past struggles and insurgencies. It argues for a historical method that emphasizes the agency of insurgent subjects, women, slaves, foreigners, the poor, and peasants, highlighting their role in shaping an "insurgent universality" (Tomba 2019).

 

The authors explore pivotal moments of collective resistance, including the international brigades of the Spanish Civil War, the peasants supporting the Second Havana Declaration, and the audience for Thomas Sankara's historic speech in Harlem. These events are presented as embodied expressions of collective struggles, showcasing a political subjectivity that challenges the temporal and spatial boundaries of modern politics.

 

The study suggests that these artifacts of insurgency hold transformative potential for contemporary political thought and action, offering profound ways to reimagine and engage with the political present.

Prof. Aytekin Çökelez, a member of the Department of Sociology and the coordinator of the History of Science and Technology Postgraduate Programme, has been elected to the University Executive Board. As a member of the board, Prof. Çökelez will play a key role in shaping university policies, fostering academic excellence, and contributing to the strategic development of the institution.

Prof. Dr. Burçkin Dal from Department of Sociology was appointed as the Rector and Chair of the Board of Istanbul Technical University - KKTC Education and Research Campuses on October 23, 2024.

 

Following his appointment, Prof. Dr. Dal met with ITU-KKTC staff and students to share his vision for the future. Emphasizing ITU’s 250 years of expertise, he highlighted plans to strengthen the university’s role in education, research, and community-focused projects in Northern Cyprus.

 

Prof. Dr. Dal expressed his commitment to enhancing academic infrastructure, promoting innovative research, and supporting student development.

 

He further stated that ITU-KKTC aims to become not only an educational institution but also a key contributor to regional development. Alongside current educational initiatives, Prof. Dr. Dal plans to foster new collaborations and prioritize scientific research, reinforcing the university's impact and presence in the region.

Faculty members of the Department of Sociology, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Serdar and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aslı Erbil, have successfully completed their research project titled "An Examination of the February 6, 2023 Earthquakes in Terms of Social Vulnerability, Environment, and Disaster Justice," which was supported by ITU Scientific Research Projects. This research delves into the intersection of disaster intervention, post-disaster recovery, and justice issues, specifically focusing on disaster and environmental justice. The project explores how these factors shape the experiences of affected communities in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey on February 6, 2023.

 

The study uses a multifaceted research methodology, incorporating three field visits to the affected regions, in-depth interviews with twenty-five earthquake survivors, and a thorough media analysis to understand the broader socio-political and environmental contexts of the disaster. The research investigates how the principles of disaster justice, including equity in disaster response and recovery, were applied, and whether marginalized communities experienced disproportionate impacts.

 

The findings from this study were presented at the 16th European Sociological Association Conference, which took place in Porto from August 27-30, 2023. The presentation, titled "The Politics of Natural Disaster: A Case Study of Post-Earthquake Hatay, Turkey," highlighted the complexities of disaster management in Hatay, one of the worst-hit provinces, and discussed the implications for future policies related to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, particularly from a justice perspective.

 

This research contributes to the ongoing discussions on disaster and environmental justice, providing valuable insights into the social dynamics and policy responses following large-scale natural disasters.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatma Sel Turhan has published an article titled “Conversion of War Captives in the Ottoman Lands During the Eighteenth Century: Rules, Applications and Abuses” in the Journal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies.

 

The study delves into the intricate dynamics of religious conversion among war captives in the Ottoman Empire during the 18th century, focusing on its relationship with the captives' release processes.

 

Starting with the Treaty of Carlowitz, the article examines how international treaties influenced the treatment and release of captives. It sheds light on the exceptional cases where conversion excluded captives from release and investigates the methods used to verify conversions, along with pragmatic or manipulative practices observed in their implementation.

 

The study further explores whether conversions were voluntary or coerced, presenting examples to capture the complexities of the process. It also addresses the unique challenges faced by child captives, providing insights into an under-researched area of Ottoman legal and social history.

 

This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the Ottoman Empire's social, legal, and religious frameworks during a transformative historical period.

As part of “Software Developers Meeting Symposium” hosted by Istanbul Technical University, Cimilli delivered an oral presentation titled “The Historical Evolution of Chatbots in the Context of Human-Machine Interaction”.

 

The research traced the origins and historical development of chatbots from theoretical and technical perspectives, delving into programming languages and the pivotal role of natural language processing (NLP) in their design.

 

The presentation also examined chatbots through the lens of human-machine interaction and linguistic capabilities, connecting this technology to the broader field of Cybernetics. This interdisciplinary field, founded by Norbert Wiener in 1948 and with roots extending back to Al-Jazari in the 13th century, remains a cornerstone in the history of artificial intelligence. By aligning this research with principles from the history of science and technology, the study provides a rich analysis of chatbots as both historical artifacts and modern innovations.

This interdisciplinary project aims to develop a methodological model for applying Genre Analysis; a text analysis technique increasingly discussed among social scientists in recent years, to the commentary tradition (sharḥ) on hadith texts.

 

The sharḥ genre, which refers to interpreting and explaining specific texts, has historically been one of the most prevalent forms of writing across cultures, from China to Europe and India to the Middle East. In Islamic history, hadith texts have similarly been the focus of extensive commentary literature.

 

Despite the significance of this genre, Genre Analysis, as developed by John Swales and Vijay Bhatia, has yet to be systematically applied to hadith commentaries. In particular, such texts in Turkey have often been approached subjectively, underscoring the need for scientific and systematic analysis.

 

The project by Prof. Dr. Nurullah Ardıç, aims to adapt Genre Analysis systematically to hadith commentaries, proposing a universal methodological model. This endeavor marks a pioneering contribution to Islamic/Middle Eastern studies and enriches the qualitative text analysis literature. After developing the model, it will be tested on a sample of 20 selected sharḥ works spanning a long historical period.

The dynamics between Turkey’s secular state and its conservative society have been a point of contention since the 1920s and 1930s, when the republican government initiated radical secular reforms. These reforms, such as the dissolution of the Ottoman Caliphate, the dismantling of religious institutions, and the adoption of Westernized cultural practices, aimed to distance the country from its Ottoman Islamic past. One of the most notable changes was the shift from the Arabic script to the Romanized Turkish alphabet, which further reinforced the divide between secularism and conservatism in Turkish society.

 

However, as Turkey embraced democracy with the changeover of government in 1950, there was a resurgence of religious discourse and a growing demand for mosque construction to emphasize the Islamic heritage of Turkish culture. This shift marked the beginning of a new phase in Turkey’s national identity, one in which religious symbolism began to take center stage in the nation-building process. The Justice and Development Party (JDP), which assumed power in 2002, has significantly accelerated this trend, supporting mosque construction as a key aspect of their vision for a modern, yet distinctly Islamic, Turkish nation.

 

Assoc. Prof. Uzer’s article argues that mosque construction under the JDP has played a central role in shaping an Islamic conservative identity for Turkey, contrasting sharply with the secular Turkish identity promoted by previous governments. As mosque building became a symbol of cultural and religious revival, it has also become a means of asserting political power and reinforcing a populist agenda, particularly in the context of Turkey’s increasingly illiberal democracy.

 

This analysis sheds light on the evolving role of religious institutions in Turkish politics, offering valuable insights into how mosque construction has become a tool for nation-building, strengthening the Islamic dimension of national identity, and challenging the secular ideals of the republic's founding.

As global cities increasingly focus on waterfront redevelopment as a tool for economic revitalization, the Galataport project serves as a pivotal case study of state-led transformation. Historically, waterfronts were often industrial zones, but in recent decades, they have been transformed into centers of tourism, commerce, and luxury living. This shift has been driven by neoliberal policies and large-scale real estate investments, with governments playing a key role in facilitating these changes.

 

Assoc. Prof. Erbil’s research delves deep into the historical, socio-political, and economic dimensions of Galataport’s redevelopment. Through an extensive review of primary sources, such as governmental reports, policy documents, and academic literature, she reveals the complex dynamics behind the project. Her analysis underscores the significant role of the state in orchestrating the transformation of Istanbul's urban landscape and explores the speculative entrepreneurial approach taken by the central government. The article argues that while legal obstacles were cleared to favor the project’s success, the public interest was largely neglected in the process.

 

This case study represents an important step in re-evaluating contemporary urban development and governance models in Turkey, with implications for other global cities undergoing similar transformations. Assoc. Prof. Erbil’s article calls for a more critical understanding of the contemporary waterfront development paradigms, urging future planners and policymakers to consider the balance between economic ambitions and the preservation of public interests.

Assoc. Prof. Erbil from Department of Sociology, employs a narrative research approach, using the personal stories and experiences of these public officials to identify leadership features that contribute to the formulation of climate change policies.

 

The findings reveal that the public officials in the study exhibited common leadership attributes that are crucial for shaping and driving climate policies. These attributes include a strong sense of responsibility, vision, and innovation in tackling climate challenges at the local level. Despite these commonalities, the study also uncovers the diversity in leadership styles, emphasizing that each official’s approach to climate action can differ, based on personal leadership philosophies and the unique needs of their respective municipalities.

 

Assoc. Prof. Erbil’s work contributes to the understanding of how leadership at the local level can influence the climate agenda, particularly in contexts where national governments may be hesitant or slow to act. Her research calls attention to the power of local leadership in the fight against climate change and underscores the importance of fostering a diverse range of leadership styles in addressing global environmental issues.

 

This article not only sheds light on the emerging field of climate leadership but also provides valuable lessons for policymakers and officials striving to make a difference in the battle against climate change, demonstrating that innovation and action can indeed start from the grassroots.

The abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1924 remains a pivotal moment in Turkey’s transformation, marking a crucial step in its shift toward political secularization. In the newly published book The Abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate, 1924: Debates and Implications, Prof. Dr. Nurullah Ardıç from our Department of Sociology, contributes a significant chapter, offering a detailed exploration of the complex debates surrounding this momentous event in Turkish history.

 

Ardıç’s analysis centers on primary texts that were foundational to the caliphate debates, which acted as battlegrounds for competing ideas and influenced discourse both within Turkey and internationally. By examining these primary sources, he highlights the intense ideological struggle over the future of Islam and governance in the post-Ottoman world. In addition, Ardıç critically reviews secondary literature, mostly in Turkish and English, from the latter half of the 20th century, noting how the academic discourse on the Caliphate has often been politicized rather than objective. This reflects the deep ideological divides that continue to shape the political and academic spheres in the region.

 

This chapter not only provides valuable insights into the historical context of the Caliphate’s abolition but also invites readers to reflect on how historical narratives are contested, offering a thought-provoking perspective on Turkey’s secular republican transition and its broader implications.

Burhaneddin Sezerar played a significant role in various projects that contributed to the electrification of Turkey, assuming key positions in the electrification of many cities. He began his career as an electric lecturer at the Mühendis Mekteb-i Âlisi (School of Engineering) in 1913. With the establishment of Istanbul Technical University, he became the head of the Chair of Electrotechnics and Electrical Measurements within the Department of High Current (Electrical) Engineering.

 

In addition to his lectures at Mühendis Mekteb-i Âlisi, Burhaneddin Sezerar held teaching positions at Darülfünun and the Sanâyi Mektebi. He further contributed his expertise as an electrical engineer in various Ministries, focusing on the illumination and tramway engineering fields. Throughout his life, Burhaneddin Sezerar dedicated 40 years to Istanbul Technical University’s 250-year history. During the first century of the Republic of Turkey, he played a pivotal role in electrifying cities, factories, and various facilities. This work presents the life and achievements of “Burhan Hoca”, a distinguished figure among Electricians.

Titled Mehmed Refik Fenmen, the book provides a detailed exploration of his life, focusing on his pivotal contributions to the School of Engineering and his dedication to education. This biography, published as part of the Istanbul Technical University’s (İTÜ) 250th-anniversary activities, highlights Fenmen’s enduring influence in advancing science, technology, and education.

 

Refik Fenmen thought science was for everyone and wrote works on the most up-to-date science topics at a level the public could understand. He wrote 13 popular science books at a level that everyone could understand and prepared the first popular science journal of the Republic of Türkiye; Fen Âlemi Journal, and published it for 24 issues in 1925-1926. Refik Fenmen, who published 56 articles in 10 journals, also combined some of these articles into a book.

 

He organized open lectures and discussions at community centres to educate the public. His books served as study resources for individuals preparing for electrical technician exams, contributing to public employment efforts.

 

Refik Fenmen played a crucial role in training numerous engineers and promoting public employment to help establish modern Turkey. He held various positions, including member of parliament, director of Istanbul Industry, director of the Zonguldak mining district, director of bus operations, and high school teacher. Fenmen worked tirelessly to develop the country, striving to create a prosperous and self-sufficient nation in line with Atatürk's vision.

As the Sociology Department, we were pleased to welcome Dr. Guido Snel, a faculty member from the University of Amsterdam, as the first speaker of the Spring Semester 2023-2024 for our "Humanities and Social Sciences Colloquium" series, which we also organized last year.

Dr. Guido Snel contributed to our seminar series with his presentation titled "Genocide and Visual History: Preservation of the Visual Legacies of the Srebrenica Genocide." Dr. Snel made a presentation focusing on digital archives, particularly the visual heritage, related to the Srebrenica Genocide.

Focusing on the experiences and testimonies of Dutch peacekeeping soldiers who served in Srebrenica under the United Nations between 1994-1995, Dr. Snel highlighted the potential of photographs as historical sources, the different perspectives a visual archive can provide on genocide, and their importance in fostering dialogue. His talk was of interest to those involved in history, memory studies, genocide studies, and human rights.

"Water in Istanbul and Beyond: Past, Present, and Future" international symposium that we organized was on March 14, 2023. Çiğdem Özkan Aygün was a co-applicant on the international project on behalf of ITU and she managed the interdisciplinary research project titled “Water in Istanbul: Rising to the Challenge?”, which began in 2021. The main supporters for this research are the British Academy- Knowledge Frontiers International Interdisciplinary Research and the research brings together archaeologists, engineers and historians from the University of Edinburg, Northumbria University and our own Istanbul Technical University. The aim of the project is to investigate water management infrastructure in Istanbul and to see how past practices can provide solutions to current problems. 
As we mentioned in our article in the Heritage Turkey 2022 issue (https://biaa.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HT12-13-Water-management.pdf), we created a GIS (Geographic Information System) infrastructure with the protocol we made between ITU and ISKI and the maps provided by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Data obtained from previous surface surveys conducted under Dr. Çiğdem Özkan Aygün’s leadership, works by Hülya Tezcan and Kazım Çeçen, Ottoman maps, and archive scans by myself were processed onto the GIS system. The missing information was complemented with GPR scans conducted by our university's faculty member Dr. Caner İmren and Research Assistant Beril Karadöller in Sultanahmet. 
Four workshops were held with the participation of relevant institutions such as Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, district municipalities, ISKI, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to discuss the current water problems and propose solutions.

Associate Professor Aslı Çalkıvik participated in the 2nd EELISA Research-Based Learning (RBL) Symposium of the European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance (EELISA) held in Pisa on 17-19 May 2023 and delivered a talk entitled “Engineerings Meet the Social Sciences: The Possibilities and Challenges for Interdisciplinarity Learning and Collaboration”.