JEOFEST ’26 Opens Its Doors with Prof. Dr. Celal Şengör

İZMİR, YOU’RE INVITED! JOIN US IN BORNOVA FOR JEOFEST ’26!

From October 23 to 30, 2026, Bornova will become a meeting point for science, culture, and art as JEOFEST ’26 brings together science enthusiasts, families, and visitors of all ages under the theme “Stone and Humanity.” Organized by Bornova Municipality in collaboration with the İzmir Branch of the Chamber of Geological Engineers of TMMOB and Jargev, the festival will feature an exciting program of talks, exhibitions, children’s workshops, panels, and concerts.

The festival opens on Friday, October 23, at 18:30, at the Nevzat Kavalar Cultural Center and Wedding Hall, with a special talk by renowned scientist Prof. Dr. Celal Şengör.

The Story of Stone Is Our Story: A Major Festival Begins

Bornova Municipality is hosting this major festival to bring science closer to the public and enrich the city’s cultural life. Guided by the slogan “The Story of Stone Is Our Story,” JEOFEST ’26 will explore the ancient relationship between stone and humanity.

A Festival Full of Discovery: From Göbeklitepe to Antarctica

The festival continues on October 24–25 at the Uğur Mumcu Culture and Arts Center, featuring leading academics and experts from across Türkiye. Visitors can attend engaging talks on topics ranging from Göbeklitepe and geology to the Harran civilization, earthquakes, scientific expeditions to Antarctica, and the volcanoes of Anatolia.

The “Stone and Humanity” exhibition, featuring fossils, gemstones, maps, cartoons, and photographs, will also be open to visitors until October 30.

Fun Workshops for Children and a Yaygara Concert

There’s something for the whole family at JEOFEST ’26! Children can enjoy hands-on, all-day activities on both days of the weekend, including Rock Detective, Mineral Hunt, Volcano Experiment, Earthquake Table, Fossil Imprints, and Stone Painting.

On Saturday, October 24, at 19:00, enjoy an evening of music at the Yaygara concert, held at the Ayfer Feray Open-Air Theatre.

The weekend program concludes on Sunday, October 25, with a panel on renewable energy sources and an awards ceremony honoring outstanding contributions to the field.

Mayor Eşki: “We Are Determined to Make Bornova a Center of Science and Culture”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the importance of bringing science, art, and culture directly to the public:

“As Bornova Municipality, we continue to bring science, art, and culture into the streets and closer to our residents. JEOFEST ’26, organized in partnership with the İzmir Branch of the Chamber of Geological Engineers of TMMOB and Jargev, is a valuable academic and cultural gathering for our city.

“Together with the esteemed Prof. Dr. Celal Şengör, who will open the festival, we will explore issues that affect our lives, from earthquake awareness to renewable energy. Through engaging workshops, we will also introduce children to the fascinating world of Earth sciences.

“I invite everyone in İzmir to come to Bornova from October 23 to 30, take part in this exciting festival, and discover the fascinating story of science and stone with us!”