Co-operation with Local Government on Planning and Development

Boğaziçi University provides academic support to urban planning and development projects in cooperation with local governments. In particular, the university contributes with its knowledge and resources on issues such as access to affordable housing, urban safety and regional development. These projects aim to improve the quality of life of local communities and contribute to the development of the city.

1. CUBE Beyoğlu - Inner City Incubation Centre

Boğaziçi University, Beyoğlu Municipality, Middle East Technical University (METU), Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and Teknopark Istanbul collaborated with CUBE Beyoğlu, Turkey's first urban incubation centre. CUBE Beyoğlu, which opened its doors in April, provides investment, business network and infrastructure support to start-up companies operating in thematic areas such as digital gaming, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, simulation, mobile application and digital art. This centre, which aims to support approximately 400 start-up companies, contributes to local development and aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in one of the most central districts of Istanbul.

2. Kandilli Observatory History of Science

Boğaziçi University, in co-operation with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, restored the historic Seismograph Building dating back to the 1930s and started to exhibit the History of Observatory Science. This building, where rare artefacts related to astronomy, mathematics, geography and earth sciences are exhibited, is open to local and international visitors, contributing to both the history of science and cultural heritage. This scientific exhibition is part of the university's efforts to preserve the scientific and cultural heritage of the region in cooperation with local authorities.

3. Updating Probable Earthquake Loss Estimates for Istanbul Province

Boğaziçi University, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) and Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute) have been carrying out the Project for Updating Probable Earthquake Loss Estimates for Istanbul Province. Within the scope of this project, a comprehensive research and forecasting study has been carried out to assess the effects of a possible major earthquake on Istanbul and to develop measures. The project contributes to the development of the city's disaster management plans by analysing the vulnerability of structures, loss of life and injury estimates and infrastructure damages. The project report was prepared by Kandilli Observatory, which plays an important role in risk management and safety together with the local government. Details of the report can be found here.

These collaborations emphasise the important role of Boğaziçi University in achieving sustainable urban planning, development and disaster management goals by working in integration with local governments.

Disaster-Resilient Cities and Communities: Seferihisar Awarded UNESCO “Tsunami Ready” Recognition

Seferihisar was awarded international “Tsunami Ready” recognition following activities undertaken through the CoastWAVE 2.0 Project, implemented jointly by Boğaziçi University’s Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (KOERI) and Middle East Technical University (METU), with the support of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC). Throughout the process, KOERI provided scientific guidance and technical support to raise awareness of tsunami hazards, promote the effective use of early warning systems and strengthen community preparedness.

The recognition process demonstrated a multi-stakeholder approach involving universities, UNESCO-IOC, disaster management authorities, local and regional governments, neighbourhood representatives and civil society organisations. This international recognition confirms Seferihisar’s progress towards becoming a resilient coastal community that understands tsunami risks, prioritises disaster safety and maintains preparedness measures. By integrating scientific research, monitoring, early warning, and capacity-building with local disaster management, the initiative exemplifies Boğaziçi University's impactful scientific contribution to reducing disaster-related losses and strengthening the resilience of human settlements.

The full news article is available here.

Enhancing Urban Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction: Next-Generation Earthquake Early Warning System

Boğaziçi University’s Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (KOERI) continuously strengthens its scientific infrastructure to enhance the resilience of urban settlements and minimise disaster risks. As part of these efforts, KOERI deployed 30 next-generation strong-motion stations across the Marmara region, reducing data transmission latency to 0.2 seconds and introducing a modern test system capable of generating early warnings within seconds. The system demonstrated its real-world effectiveness during a Mw 5.0 earthquake in the Sea of Marmara on October 2, 2025, by issuing its initial warning in just 8.4 seconds.

This advanced technology enables the automated triggering of critical safety protocols for urban infrastructure, such as halting subway networks, shutting off natural gas valves, and securing transport systems. Building on over 25 years of institutional expertise in earthquake early warning systems since 1998, KOERI aims to further reduce early warning response times to 3–6 seconds by integrating underwater seafloor sensors. By prioritising the protection of urban populations and vital infrastructure, this initiative makes a vital contribution to building safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.

The full news article is available here.

AI-Assisted Earthquake Detection and Early Warning for Resilient Cities

The “Türkiye AI-Assisted Earthquake Detection and Early Warning Project”, led by Associate Professor Çağrı Diner at Boğaziçi University’s Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (KOERI), received an unrestricted $1 million USD grant from Google. The project aims to integrate modern artificial intelligence architectures into KOERI’s existing seismic monitoring infrastructure to develop automated, rapid, and high-precision earthquake detection and early warning systems. The AI models will be trained on Türkiye-specific crustal velocity models and the station geometry of KOERI’s seismic network.

The models are expected to analyse signals from a single station with high precision and to be integrated directly into operational early-warning workflows. The additional seconds gained during an earthquake can be critical for activating protective measures across essential infrastructure and reducing potential loss of life. The project will also help train a new generation of researchers working at the intersection of seismology, signal processing and artificial intelligence, thereby contributing to earthquake risk reduction and strengthening the disaster resilience of cities and communities.

The full news article is available here.

2024 Sustainability Report SDG-11 (Related Section)

Co-operation with Local Authorities on Planning and Development

The studies were carried out by the Department of Earthquake Engineering, Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute in cooperation with the Department of Earthquake Risk Management and Urban Improvement, Earthquake and Soil Investigation Directorate. In the project, earthquake hazard analyses, risk analyses of urban superstructure and infrastructure elements and earthquake risk assessment of Yenikapı and Maltepe rally areas were carried out. While urban earthquake hazard and risk analyses were handled by deterministic and probabilistic methods, various vibration measurement and modelling approaches were used in the earthquake risk assessment of rally areas, liquefaction potential and anchorage stability analyses were performed.

Click here to read the project report:

https://depremzemin.ibb.istanbul/uploads/prefix-dezim-kandilli-deprem-hasar-tahmin-raporu-6686737a87a92.pdf