Natural History Museum of Ege University from Izmir

The idea of establishing a Natural History Museum affiliated with the Faculty of Science at Ege University was first proposed in 1963 and realized in 1967. In 1973, within the framework of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, the museum presented objects related to nature and natural history to the public for the first time.

After operating for a period with institute status, the museum was affiliated with the Rectorate as the Natural History Research and Application Center, following the proposal of the Faculty of Science Board, the decision of the University Senate dated 22 October 1991 (Decision No. 11/7), and the approval of the Council of Higher Education dated 19 June 1991 (Approval No. 2887).

Structured as a Natural History Research and Application Center, the museum is the second largest natural history museum established in Turkey, following the Natural History Museum of the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) in Ankara. Moreover, with its Master’s degree program implemented under the Department of Natural History within the Natural Sciences and its academic staff conducting research in the field of natural history, it is Turkey’s first university-based academic museum.

The Natural History Museum provides a visual and scientific environment in which all elements of natural history and natural heritage are collected, preserved, and exhibited within a systematic and evolutionary framework. In this context, natural history museums function as spaces where the grandeur and mystery of nature are presented to society as if through a timeline of Earth’s history. Through exhibition panels and dioramas, the museum seeks not only to convey the mystery of nature but also to encourage visitors to understand, learn, and question the 4.5-billion-year evolutionary history of our planet.

Various activities organized by the Center’s staff—such as lectures, film screenings, and slide presentations on topics including the formation of the universe, planets, and Earth; the evolution of living and non-living matter; volcanism; and earthquakes—introduce nature to the public through scientific evidence. These activities aim to inform society, particularly primary and secondary school students, about natural phenomena, foster a love for nature, promote its protection, and instill the awareness that humans are an integral part of the natural world.

In addition, the Center emphasizes the importance of protecting all living organisms, especially endangered bird and mammal species, addressing all segments of society. Beyond these functions, the Natural History Museum serves as a research center that conducts studies on Turkey’s rich paleofauna, paleoflora, rocks and minerals, and contemporary biological diversity, introducing these findings to the scientific community through various publications. It also facilitates cooperation with similar institutions both nationally and internationally.

Some of the objects displayed in the museum have been acquired through donations, and the names of the donors—individuals or institutions—are duly acknowledged. The names of donors will remain permanently displayed in the museum. The steadily increasing number of visitors since the museum’s establishment, as well as the valuable information provided by visitors to museum staff regarding fossils, rocks, minerals, and contemporary biological specimens, demonstrate the public’s strong interest in and appreciation for the museum. The further development of this cultural and educational center, and its attainment of international standards, can be achieved through the contributions of individuals and institutions sensitive to nature and culture.

Exhibited Collections

The museum houses a total of 4,000 objects, displayed across six exhibition halls covering an area of 2,500 square meters:

1. Paleontology (1,168 objects)
2. Rocks and Minerals (811 objects)
3. Birds (168 objects)
4. Entrance Hall (Turkish Fauna) (937 objects)
5. General Zoology (766 objects)
6. Osteology and Evolution (81 objects)