Scientific Journey to the Geomorphological Richness of Central Anatolia from the Geography Department

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Faculty of Science and Letters Geography Department conducted a comprehensive technical field study on October 15, 2026, as part of the Volcanic Geomorphology and Turkey Geomorphology courses, where 42 students had the opportunity to examine the remarkable geomorphological formations of Anatolia on-site.

Under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kadir Tuncer and Prof. Dr. Erol Kapluhan, a total of 42 students, including graduate students, participated in the field study. In this study, where theoretical knowledge was supported by field observations, students evaluated the formation processes of landforms by examining different natural environments and had the opportunity to develop their geographical research skills.

Natural Formations Were Examined On-Site

The volcanic mountain Erenler, Timraş Sinkhole, Çatalhöyük, Yılanlı Diatreması, Mekegölü Maarı, and Akhüyük ridge-type travertines, located along the route of the field study, stood out with their different natural and geomorphological features.

The volcanic geomorphology characteristics of Erenler Mountain and its surroundings, as well as the processes and effects in the shaping of the terrain, were discussed. In Timraş Sinkhole, the development of karst topography and the landforms created by dissolution processes were examined.

As one of the important historical and cultural heritage sites of Anatolia, Çatalhöyük provided an opportunity to evaluate the relationship between humans and the natural environment from a geographical perspective. Students had the chance to address the relationship between natural environmental conditions and settlement history and human activities from different aspects.

Among the striking examples of volcanic formations, Yılanlı Diatreması  and Mekegölü Maarı (Karapınar) were examined in terms of volcanism and the development of volcanic topography. Mekegölü Maarı, which stands out with its unique geomorphological features, became one of the highlights of the field study.

In the Akhüyük ridge-type travertines, the processes affecting travertine formation, carbonate deposition, and the characteristics of karst systems were emphasized. Thanks to this stop, students had the opportunity to make comparative evaluations by observing different geomorphological formations on-site.

The Importance of Field Experience in Geography Education

The technical field study contributed to students applying their theoretical knowledge in real field conditions and evaluating the natural environment from a scientific perspective. Examining different geomorphological formations along the same route provided an important learning experience in terms of developing observation, analysis, spatial evaluation, and scientific interpretation skills.

The study, conducted with the participation of graduate students, supported the sharing of knowledge and experience among students at different academic levels. The field training conducted under academic guidance once again highlighted the importance of supporting theoretical knowledge with field observations in the geography discipline.

This technical field study conducted by the MAKÜ Faculty of Science and Letters Geography Department contributed to students' understanding of Anatolia's natural and cultural heritage from a geographical perspective while also revealing the importance of applied education in scientific research processes.