During this Winter semester, over 30 students from the BSc in Environmental Management and Technology Program and MSc in Environmental Science and Management Program embarked on a study trip to Istanbul, Turkey, from January 5 to 12. The week-long tour offered an immersive blend of academic exchange, field exploration, and collaborative learning, including a visit to Koç University, where students participated in seminars and workshops on cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, urban transformation, and digital heritage. 

Throughout the study trip, the students explored iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. The group also visited reimagined industrial and cultural spaces such as Müze Gazhane, Feshane (Artİstanbul), and the Sadberk Hanım Museum, exploring how historic sites are thoughtfully adapted for modern public use and community engagement. Müze Gazhane, once a coal-powered gas house, has been transformed into a cultural hub. One of its highlights, the Climate Museum, educates the public on environmental challenges, the role of greenhouse gases, and the historical impacts of environmental change through interactive exhibitions and critical discussions.

Students were inspired by how Istanbul’s rich history has been carefully preserved and comes alive through contemporary digital technology like Digital Twin, making heritage sites more accessible and inclusive for everyone. The experience sparked fresh perspectives on how tradition, innovation, and social responsibility can come together in preserving heritage for the future.

This study trip offered an enriching platform for cross-cultural learning and collaboration, providing a unique opportunity to connect academic perspectives with real-world practices throughout the city, while unveiling Istanbul’s layered histories and vibrant contemporary life.

Watch the highlights here: https://youtu.be/cEh5Hk3hbOU