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Department of the History of Science

Istanbul University’s Department of the History of Science is the first and only department of its kind which actively conducts research and education in the HS in Turkey. It aims to nurture and further research and intellectual exchanges in HS, and also to contribute to the recognition and preservation of scientific and technical heritage in Turkey.


Research at the department focuses mostly on the scientific activities undertaken during the Ottoman reign (14th – 20th c.) and the Republic of Turkey (from 20th c. onwards). Scientific literature, scholars and institutions, their role and impact on the society, science policies and the transmission of scientific knowledge among cultures, scientific instruments and technical education are the main topics under study. Research is carried out by a dynamic and conscious team of academicians trained in various disciplines, such as basic sciences, history, history of science, and philosophy.The department launched the publication of the Osmanlı Bilimi Araştırmaları / Studies in Ottoman Science in 1995the unique Turkish academic journal in the history of science. National and international scientific meetings are organized to promote research and to foster collaboration between academicians and graduate students.


The elective courses offered to the undergraduate students of the Faculty of Letters, introduces the centuries-long adventure of science among world cultures, as well as the history of science in Turkey. A four-year undergraduate program in the history of science will commence from the academic year 2011-2012. The graduate program in the HS, previously attached to the Philosophy Department, is run autonomously from the academic year 2010-2011 on. The program in the HS is open to candidates trained in sciences, technology and humanities. While research themes focus mainly the history of science and technology in Turkey, the subject matter of the thesis is decided upon in accordance with the candidate’s area of interest, and her/his educational background. Turkish academicians renowned for their studies in history of science and technology contribute to the graduate program as visiting professors

Akademik Personel



Prof. Dr. Feza Günergun

Prof. Dr. Sevtap Kadıoğlu 

Asst. Prof. Dr. Gaye Şahinbaş Erginöz

Asst. Prof. Dr. Meltem Kocaman

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kaan Ata

Asst. Prof. Dr. Gaye Danışan Polat

Res. Asst. Barışcan Ersöz

Res. Asst. Atilla Polat

Res. Asst. Kaan Üçsu

For a detailed information about undergraduate programme in History of Science, please visit IU Education Information System

For a detailed information about graduate programmes in History of Science, please visit IU Education Information System. 

  • M.A. Degree in History of Science
  • PhD Degree in History of Science