Famous Turkish Scientists

Dilhan Eryurt was a Turkish astrophysicist known for her significant contributions to research on the formation and evolution of the Sun and other main sequence stars. She worked for NASA from 1961 to 1973, where she conducted research for the Apollo program. Later, she established the astrophysics department at the Middle East Technical University in Turkey. Eryurt served as the Dean of the science and arts faculty at METU from 1988 to 1993, leaving a lasting impact on the field of astrophysics through her work and leadership.

Eudoxus of Cnidus was an ancient Greek astronomer, mathematician, doctor, and lawmaker. He was a student of Archytas and Plato. Although all of his original works are lost, some fragments are preserved in Hipparchus' Commentaries on the Phenomena of Aratus and Eudoxus. The work "Spherics" by Theodosius of Bithynia is believed to be based on Eudoxus' teachings. Eudoxus made significant contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and law, leaving a lasting impact on these fields through his teachings and writings.

Isidore of Miletus was a prominent Byzantine Greek mathematician, physicist, and architect known for his significant contributions to the design of the Hagia Sophia cathedral in Constantinople under Emperor Justinian I. Alongside Anthemius of Tralles, he played a key role in the architectural and mathematical aspects of the project from 532 to 537. Isidore is also credited with compiling important works by Archimedes and is associated with the dubious attribution of Book XV in Euclid's Elements.

Simplicius of Cilicia was a prominent Neoplatonist philosopher who studied under Ammonius Hermiae and Damascius. He faced persecution by Justinian in the early 6th century but sought refuge in the Persian court before returning to the empire. Known for his extensive commentaries on the works of Aristotle and other authors, Simplicius was highly regarded for his intelligence and vast knowledge. His writings serve as valuable sources of information on earlier philosophers, establishing him as the last great philosopher of pagan antiquity.

Müge Çevik is an accomplished physician, infectious diseases researcher, and science communicator at the University of St Andrews. Her research focuses on HIV, viral hepatitis, emerging infections, and tropical infections in developing countries. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Çevik served as an advisor to the Chief Medical Officer of Scotland and the World Health Organization. Additionally, she is a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, providing expert guidance to the UK Department of Health's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies.

Maximus Planudes was a Byzantine Greek monk, scholar, anthologist, translator, mathematician, grammarian, and theologian based in Constantinople. He played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the Greek East and the Latin West through his translations from Latin to Greek and vice versa. Planudes is renowned for his compilation of the Greek Anthology, showcasing his expertise in various fields such as literature, linguistics, and mathematics. His professional life was marked by significant contributions to the cultural exchange between Eastern and Western traditions.

Menaechmus was an ancient Greek mathematician, geometer, and philosopher known for his significant contributions to mathematics and geometry. He was recognized for his friendship with the renowned philosopher Plato and his discovery of conic sections. Menaechmus also gained acclaim for his solution to the challenging problem of doubling the cube using the parabola and hyperbola. His work demonstrated a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and paved the way for advancements in geometric theory during his time.

Andronicus of Cyrrhus, also known as Andronicus Cyrrhestes, was a renowned Hellenized Macedonian astronomer who flourished around 100 BC. He gained fame for his design of the Tower of the Winds in Roman Athens, a monument that served as a sundial, water clock, and weather vane. Andronicus was highly respected for his expertise in astronomy and engineering, showcasing his talent through the innovative and functional architectural structures he created, leaving a lasting impact on the scientific and architectural communities of his time.

Mahmut Gazi Yaşargil is a renowned Turkish medical scientist and neurosurgeon known for his pioneering work in microneurosurgery. He collaborated with Raymond M. P. Donaghy at the University of Vermont, focusing on the treatment of epilepsy and brain tumors using his innovative surgical instruments. From 1953 to 1993, he held various positions at the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Zurich and the Zurich University Hospital. Yaşargil is considered one of the greatest neurosurgeons of the modern era and was honored as "Neurosurgery’s Man of the Century" in 1999.