Bornova Municipality’s stargazing events have moved from Aşık Veysel Recreation Area to Yeşilova Mound, İzmir’s oldest known settlement. On this unique evening, where thousands of years of historical heritage met modern astronomy, hundreds of residents of all ages had the opportunity to explore the depths of the universe through telescopes accompanied by professional astronomers.

As part of Bornova Municipality’s science and community projects, the series of events continues to open the doors of the night sky to the people of İzmir. Previously launched with great enthusiasm at Aşık Veysel Recreation Area, the event shifted its route this time toward one of the city’s oldest historical heritage sites. Held between 9:00 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., the “Science Talks & Stargazing with Telescopes” program brought science enthusiasts together at Yeşilova Mound. While participants experienced the mystical atmosphere of an 8,500-year-old heritage site, they also had the privilege of exploring the vast depths of the universe through modern telescope lenses.

Stargazing on Thousands of Years of Heritage

Organized by the Bornova Municipality Mevlana Community and Science Center, the event drew a large crowd to the historic site, with the youngest visitors undoubtedly experiencing the greatest excitement. Children who had the opportunity to observe celestial bodies through professional equipment for the first time tried to make sense of the universe through the small lens opening onto outer space.

The young explorers, who observed details on the Moon’s surface with their own eyes, described their fascinating experience:

“It was incredibly exciting to see the giant planets we have seen in our schoolbooks and the huge craters on the Moon with our own eyes! Looking through the lens, we felt for a moment as if we were walking in space. Seeing the stars and the craters on the Moon from so close was an incredible feeling.”

The children also noted that the experts taught them how to identify stars in the night sky and emphasized that their summer vacation had become unforgettable thanks to such scientific activities.

Stargazing Enthusiasts Form Long Lines at the Telescopes

Hundreds of Bornova residents who filled the historic atmosphere of Yeşilova Mound with their families patiently waited in long lines in front of the telescope stations for their turn. Dr. Astronomer Tuncay Doğan, who works at the Bornova Municipality Mevlana Community and Science Center, delivered a comprehensive presentation accompanied by large screens.

Doğan explained in detail the names and mythological origins of the constellations decorating the night sky. He also illustrated, using specially prepared charts, which constellations can be clearly observed from Bornova, bringing the evening’s scientific program to a close.

As part of the Stargazing Events, Bornova residents will come together again at Aşık Veysel Recreation Area on the evening of August 27.