Ahmet Mete Işıkara facts for kids

Ahmet Mete Işıkara (born October 22, 1941 – died January 21, 2013) was a Turkish scientist. He was a geophysicist, meaning he studied the Earth's physical processes. He was also an earthquake scientist. He became very well known for teaching people how to stay safe during earthquakes. He wanted everyone to know what to do to protect themselves.

Early Life and Education

Işıkara was born in Mersin, Turkey, in 1941. He went to primary school and junior high school there. After finishing high school, he studied at Istanbul University. He graduated in 1965.

In the same year, he started his career as a geophysics assistant. He continued his studies abroad. He went to Imperial College London and the University of Göttingen.

In 1969, Ahmet Mete Işıkara married Aysel Ahıska. They had two children, a son named Cengiz and a daughter named Yeşim.

His Work and Contributions

Up to 1976, Işıkara focused his studies on terrestrial magnetism. This is the study of the Earth's magnetic field.

Between 1976 and 1983, he was the leader of the Turkish National Geodesy and Geophysics Association. Geodesy is the science of measuring the Earth's shape and gravity. He also led the Aeronomy Commission during this time.

From 1979 to 1982, he helped coordinate a European group. This group worked on predicting earthquakes. He also represented Turkey in a special committee. This committee focused on earthquakes for the Council of Europe.

In 1985, he joined Boğaziçi University. He became the assistant director of the Earthquake Research Center. This center is part of the Kandilli Observatory. In 1991, he became the director of the observatory. He held this important position until 2002.

Grandpa Earthquake

After the big 1999 İzmit earthquake, Ahmet Mete Işıkara appeared on television many times. He spoke to people to help them understand earthquakes. He taught them how to protect themselves and stay safe. During this time, people started calling him Deprem Dede. This nickname means Grandpa Earthquake in English.

One of his most famous sayings was: "Quakes don’t kill, buildings do." This quote meant that strong buildings are key to safety.

In 2003, he became the chairman of a new group. This group was called the Association of Preparation for Disaster and Training for Earthquake. Its goal was to prepare people for disasters. Later, Işıkara worked as a main advisor for the Turkish Red Crescent. This organization helps people in need.

Brief Time in Politics

In 2002, Işıkara tried to become a member of parliament. He ran in the 2002 Turkish general election. He was part of the True Path Party. In Turkey, a party needs to get at least 10% of all votes to win seats in parliament. In the 2002 elections, his party received just under 10%. Because of this, Işıkara was not able to enter parliament.

Later Years and Passing

Ahmet Mete Işıkara passed away on January 21, 2013. He died from breathing problems in an Istanbul hospital. He had been in intensive care for 44 days. He was buried in the Feriköy Cemetery in Istanbul.

Legacy

A primary school in Mersin, his hometown, is named after him. This honors his important work and contributions.