About
Our department consists of four main branches of science: Physical Geography, Human Geography, Geography of Türkiye, and Regional Geography. From the 2009-2010 academic year until 2024, a dual education system was implemented. However, as of 2024, the undergraduate program admits 40 students annually. As of January 20, 2025, the department has 533 undergraduate students, 55 master's students, and 14 doctoral students, totaling 69 graduate students currently enrolled.
Each spring semester, first- and second-year students participate in field studies, allowing them to directly observe and analyze a region. These studies teach students how to conduct spatial analysis and what aspects to consider during fieldwork. In the third year, as part of their coursework, students undertake a four-day field study, preparing them for their undergraduate thesis research. Final-year students, under the supervision of their advisors, select a research topic and develop a graduation thesis over a total period of three semesters, including one semester for preparation. The final thesis is then presented to the relevant faculty members.
Through courses such as Cartography, Map Knowledge, Mapping in Human Geography, Geomorphological Mapping, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), students enhance their cartographic skills and gain both theoretical and practical knowledge, enabling them to map natural and human elements of a given area effectively.
The Geography Department of Fırat University is equipped with two lecture halls, three classrooms, a GIS Laboratory, a Rocks Laboratory, a Departmental Library, and a Seminar Hall.
In theoretical courses, faculty members adopt a practical and application-based teaching methodology, which aligns with the applied nature of geography, integrating real-world examples and practical applications into the curriculum.
Master’s and Ph.D. students conduct their academic studies under the supervision of an assigned faculty advisor, with the assistance and support of other faculty members in the department.
Former faculty members of our department currently serve in various geography departments across different universities. Additionally, through its Master’s and Doctoral programs, our department plays a significant role in meeting the academic staff needs of various universities.
The department was among the first departments established following the foundation of the university in 1975, under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Erdoğan Akkan. However, it officially became operational in 1978 when H. Hilmi Karaboran started working as an assistant professor. Due to the lack of student enrollment, the department was subsequently closed, and its research assistants were reassigned to other departments.
Through the efforts and initiatives of Hilmi Karaboran, the Higher Education Council (YÖK) decided, in its executive board meeting on March 16, 1990, to reopen the Geography Department under the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Fırat University. The department resumed its academic activities in the 1990-1991 academic year with the enrollment of 30 students.
Currently, the department operates with 12 faculty members and 3 research assistants, continuing its academic activities.
The Department of Geography aims to analyze and understand the physical and human characteristics of the Earth's surface, their interrelations, and their spatial distributions using modern scientific approaches, methodologies, and technologies. By doing so, it seeks to manage spaces effectively and ensure the sustainable use of Earth's resources in line with the principles of sustainable development.
The primary missions of the department are:
To introduce students to geography by covering its contemporary scope, objectives, methods, technologies, tools, and applications.
To provide a professional learning environment where students can develop skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
To enhance the department’s teaching and research quality by linking geographical knowledge and skills with real-life and contemporary issues.
To demonstrate the importance of geography in addressing social, cultural, economic, and environmental issues, emphasizing its significance in solving modern global problems.
The vision of the Geography Department is to:
Adopt a contemporary educational approach, utilizing modern methodologies, tools, and techniques to deliver a high-quality education.
Train intellectual individuals with a strong sense of responsibility and professionalism who can effectively address geographical problems.
Conduct academic research on topics and issues relevant to geography, especially those concerning local challenges.
Uphold universal academic values, adhere to total quality management principles, and follow the latest scientific and technological advancements in the field of geography.
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