Although no observational activities are currently held there, we aim to relive the excitement of the observatory dome at the historic Mimar Kemaleddin Building, the first observatory of the Republic of Türkiye, and to convey the meaning of the phrase “The future lies in the skies…”, the AstroGAZİ commnunity led by Prof. Dr. Uygar KANLI, a faculty member of the Department of Physics Education, organized events under the theme “From Gazi and the Past to the Future: We Touch the Sky in our 100th” with the participation of academics, students, and sky enthusiasts from various universities and institutions in celebration of our faculty’s 100th anniversary.

Firstly, participants first observed Sunspots, the Lunar craters, Jupiter and its moons, as well as the ISS transit at Dolunay Park on the main campus on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Secondly, Prof. Dr. Bayram Tekin from the Department of Physics at Bilkent University spoke on “Black Holes,” and Dr. Umut Yıldız, Director of the Office of Science Communication and Faculty Of Engineering, Department Of Aerospace Engineering, Middle East Technical University (METU), spoke on “Astrophysics, Science Communication, and Careers,” and Akın Karahasan, an expert from the Gökmen Space and Aviation Education Center (GUHEM), held an engaging discussion on “The Pocket Hercules of the Microcosm: Tardigrades.”

Our guests answered questions from participants on a wide range of topics, sharing their thoughts and experiences regarding their academic work and careers.

Following the discussion, the distinguished speakers were presented with commemorative plaques featuring the 100th Anniversary logo, prepared by Prof. Dr. Uygar KANLI and members of the community.