Geological Museum at Istanbul University Cerrahpasa in Istanbul, Turkey

The Geological Museum at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa preserves collections connected with more than a century of geology education and research at the university. Its roots reach back to the Institute of Geology, known as Arziyat Darülmesaisi, which was established in 1915. The museum’s history is therefore closely tied to the development of geology as an academic discipline within Istanbul University and its successor institutions.

Origins of the Geological Collection

Walter Penck played a central role in establishing the early geological museum collection. Working with Hamit Nafiz Pamir, he assembled geological specimens and helped create a specialist library for the new institute. These early holdings formed the basis of a museum intended to support geology teaching and scientific study.

The first collection did not survive intact. A fire in Vefa in 1918 destroyed the institute’s books, collections, and laboratory materials. Geology education was interrupted and later resumed in 1923. The museum holdings subsequently had to be rebuilt rather than simply inherited from the original collection.

Over time, fossil and mineral specimens were purchased, while material collected during scientific research also entered the museum. This method of building the collection connected the museum directly with fieldwork and research conducted through the university.

Fossils, Rocks, and Geological Specimens

The museum’s fossil holdings cover several branches of paleontology. The university lists imprint fossils, plant fossils, microfossils, invertebrate fossils, and vertebrate fossils among the main components of the collection. Together, these specimens provide physical evidence of organisms and environments preserved in the geological record.

Rock specimens are another major part of the holdings. The collection includes examples from the three main rock groups: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Fossil and mineral samples acquired separately, along with specimens gathered through university research, broaden the material available for geological examination.

The combination of paleontological material and rock collections reflects the museum’s close relationship with the university’s Geology Engineering Department. Rather than functioning only as a display collection, its history developed alongside geological education, laboratory work, and field research.

Moves Between University Campuses

The Geology Engineering Department moved from the Beyazıt Campus to the Faculty of Engineering at the Avcılar Campus in February 1991. The museum later became affected by building and renovation work at Avcılar and was temporarily transferred to Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa’s Büyükçekmece Campus.

The university subsequently opened the museum in its temporary Büyükçekmece setting while work continued at Avcılar. On July 31, 2026, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa announced a large summer relocation program that included moving the Geological Museum back to the Avcılar Campus.

The university’s current museum information page lists the museum at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Avcılar Campus, Faculty of Engineering, 34320 Avcılar, Istanbul. Because this return follows a recent relocation, visitors who need to confirm access arrangements can contact the museum directly at jeolojimuzesi@iuc.edu.tr or by telephone at +90 (212) 473 70 70, extension 17529.