JEOFEST ’26 Opens Its Doors with Celal Şengör

JEOFEST ’26, hosted by Bornova Municipality, opened its doors with the participation of world-renowned earth scientist Prof. Dr. Celal Şengör. Before his talk, Şengör visited the Smart City and Innovation Center, where he was impressed by Bornova’s digital twin and the Abide-i Hürriyet Square project presented by Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki. With its rich scientific panels, the “Stone and Human” exhibition, and children’s workshops, the festival will continue welcoming science enthusiasts throughout the weekend.

Impressed by the Digital Twin and Abide-i Hürriyet Square

Before the highly anticipated talk, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki welcomed world-renowned geologist Prof. Dr. Celal Şengör and his accompanying guests at his office. The delegation then visited the Smart City and Innovation Center, home to Bornova’s digital twin, where they examined the city’s technological infrastructure firsthand.

Prof. Dr. Celal Şengör listened attentively to Mayor Eşki’s presentation at the technology center and expressed his admiration for the visionary project. He gave particularly high praise to the “Abide-i Hürriyet Square” project, whose details were presented by Mayor Eşki, emphasizing that the initiative was a source of pride in terms of the city’s collective memory and aesthetics.

“Human Civilization Can Exist Only as Long as Geology Allows”

At a talk held at Ayfer Feray Open-Air Theatre under the theme “The Story of Stone Is Our Story,” Prof. Dr. Celal Şengör, accompanied by Koray Çetin Önalan, Chair of the İzmir Branch of the Chamber of Geological Engineers (TMMOB), spoke about the inseparable connection between earth sciences and human history, sharing striking observations.

Noting that humanity’s relationship with stone dates back to ancient times, when it was used to make tools and build shelters, Şengör stressed the importance of science, saying:

“We must take geology very seriously. Geology is life. Nature has a message for us: human civilization can exist only as long as geology allows. That is why we must teach our children about nature and help them learn to love it.”

Mayor Eşki: “We Will Keep Science and Culture Alive in Bornova”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki said he was proud that this spirit of solidarity and the event were taking place in Bornova, noting his own experience as a former chamber executive. Expressing his great pleasure at bringing the living legend Celal Şengör together with the people of Bornova, Mayor Eşki emphasized that they would remain committed to fostering science, professional solidarity, and urban culture in the district.

Koray Çetin Önalan, Chair of the İzmir Branch of the Chamber of Geological Engineers, and Düzgün Esina, Chair of the Chamber’s National Executive Board, also addressed the ceremony. They thanked Bornova Municipality and Mayor Ömer Eşki for their support in creating space for science in Türkiye’s climate of constant change and shared their common aspiration to establish a natural history museum in İzmir.

The “Stone and Human” Exhibition Awaits Visitors at Uğur Mumcu Cultural and Arts Center

The “Stone and Human” exhibition, opened as part of the festival, attracted considerable attention from its first day. Free to visit at Bornova Municipality’s Uğur Mumcu Cultural and Arts Center until October 30, the exhibition features a wide-ranging collection, from fossils to rare gemstones, creating a scientific bridge between the past and the future.

A Packed Weekend Program Continues

JEOFEST ’26, hosted by Bornova Municipality, will continue on Saturday and Sunday at Uğur Mumcu Cultural and Arts Center with a full schedule of events. From panels exploring earthquake risks to scientific expeditions in Antarctica, alongside the Yaygara concert and hands-on laboratory experiments for children, Bornova will remain a hub of science and entertainment throughout the weekend.