Our Institute, along with Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University (FSMVU) and Istanbul University, organized a panel on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the FSMVU Gülhane Campus to commemorate Prof. Dr. Atilla Bir and his work on the first anniversary of his passing.
The speakers at the panel included Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kaçar, Head of the History of Science Department at FSMVU; Prof. Dr. Sevtap Kadıoğlu, Dean of the Faculty of Letters and Head of the History of Science Department at Istanbul University; and Enes Güllü, Research Assistant from the History of Technology Department at our Institute. Faculty members from our Institute also attended the panel as listeners.
Prof. Dr. Atilla Bir, who made significant contributions to the studies of science and technology history in our country through his original and translated books, articles, papers, and lectures, passed away on October 7, 2024. In addition to his academic publications that contributed to the history of astronomy and technology, the resources he introduced to the discipline through his identity as a collector were discussed during the panel.
Enes Güllü shared his experiences and insights on the influences that guided Bir's work and his method of continuing studies on the Ottoman-era scientific heritage. Mustafa Kaçar detailed the preparation processes of the articles and books they co-authored and discussed Bir's work principles. Sevtap Kadıoğlu provided information about the undergraduate and graduate courses Bir taught for many years at the Istanbul University History of Science Department and his teaching methods.
During the panel, the need to compile and publish Bir's articles on the history of technology—which were written for various academic and popular journals—into a book was emphasized. Furthermore, it was announced that follow-up would be conducted to ensure his books, currently in the publication process, reach readers as soon as possible. The common consensus among the academics was also expressed that authorities should show interest in Bir's legacy, which includes a serious collection of ephemera and books related to the history of science, with a view toward public benefit.
