Dear Colleagues,
We invite you to discover the riches of Geographical science worldwide and to come together to understand and cooperate with each other on a global level! The IGU Regional Conference, which will be held in Istanbul in 2026, provides a platform to emphasize the importance of geographical research and science. This conference will offer new perspectives on understanding the profound effects of geography on natural and human systems, stimulate discussions aimed at finding solutions to global challenges, and bring together the geography community around the world.
The conference will take place between 17-21 August 2026 at Istanbul University, an ideal place to discover the historical and cultural riches of Istanbul.
Our conference will be full of sessions reflecting the comprehensive perspective of Geography. You will meet with experts who will address important issues such as sustainable management of natural resources, climate change effects, protection of cultural heritage and digital geography, share your knowledge and experiences and establish new collaborations.
This conference emphasizes the global importance of Geography science and offers participants the opportunity to exchange knowledge, get inspired and establish long-term collaborations with colleagues from different geographies. You will also have the chance to experience the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul with activities such as social events and city tours to be held during the conference.
We believe that every participant in our conference plays an important role in deeply understanding the impact of geography on the world and producing solutions to global problems. We will be very happy to see you among us in this unifying atmosphere.
It’s time to come together to discover the power of Geography and unite the world.
See you in Istanbul for an unforgettable experience!
Regards,
Prof. Dr. Barbaros Gönençgil
Head of Local Organizing Committee
In its most basic meaning, globalisation describes the pattern of international trade and investment and communication that has accelerated dramatically since the middle of the twentieth century. In this framework, globalisation is associated with government policies that open up domestic and international markets with the objectives of supporting development in poorer countries and raising people’s living standards. However, these policies have also been associated with market conditions harmful to local businesses, local cultures, and human communities. There are also social, political and legal visions of globalisation imagining a single, seamless world in the future. However, in opposition to these notions the concept of localisation has emerged and evolved. It brings an emphasis on the local differences and characteristics that are at the root of a multicultural world but are under the threat of globalisation. As a science concerned with place and relationships between them, Geography can contribute usefully to the assessment of all the details of globalisation and localisation.
Climate change has become one of the most important issues confronting humanity today. However, not everyone understands what it is, what kind of problem it is, and what the reasons for it are. Discussions are sometimes complicated by questions about the extent to which human activity has affected the course of ‘natural’ change. Human-induced, or anthropogenic, climate change is a major environmental issue. Anthropogenic causes of climate change include urbanization, industrialisation and destruction of natural areas. It follows therefore that mitigating negative pressures on the broader environment has the potential to reduce human pressures on climate change. It is also important to understand adaptation associated with climate change and to explore new and effective ways of adjusting to Earth’s changing climate conditions. Geography is an important scientific discipline that can contribute to these considerations.
Migration and conflicts continue as significant challenges in today’s world. Political problems, especially in ‘hot regions’, cause conflicts and migration. Human trafficking, such as that starting from the Middle East and North Africa and crossing the Mediterranean through routes, has tragic consequences. These illegal activities cause social, economic and political problems, especially in many European countries as well as in many other parts of the world. Discussing such problems from a geographical point of view and developing proposals for solutions will be an important result for this Congress.
All of the Earth system consists of fully dynamic conditions and processes. Each process – from plate movements to mass movements to atmospheric change – is a natural part of this active system which has existed for millions of years. However, growing populations and environmental damage caused by humans have increased vulnerabilities associated with these natural processes. Today, the number of measures taken to counter ‘natural’ disasters and their increasing array of environmental and social effects is of growing significance. ‘Natural’ disasters and adaptations to them are a critical focus for Geography and for this Congress.
Istanbul is located at the intersection of Eurasia and the Middle East. This region, where many civilisations have arisen and flourished for thousands of years, still brings many nations together. Istanbul IGC2020 is open to scientifically founded discussion of all problems in this region. In this context all subjects related to physical and human geography will be considered.
Have we reached the end of the Holocene? This question has been asked frequently of late as a result of the extreme pressure humanity has placed on Earth systems.. Humanity began to be especially influential on the biosphere after the Industrial Revolution, affecting, for example, terrestrial ecosystems, the atmosphere, and hydrological cycles. Loss of natural areas, atmospheric pollution, pollution of the seas and oceans, and climate change: all these Earth systems problems have been intensified by human activity. Natural processes have been degraded and a significant new era has begun. Currently humanity is so influential over Earth systems that we may now be in the so-called Anthropocene. For those interested in the relationship between Physical and Human Geography this is clearly an important field of study in the near future. For this reason, the Anthropocene is one of the main topics of this congress.
"Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in geospatial research and applications. AI technologies are used in areas such as the analysis of large-scale geospatial data sets, processing of satellite images, climate modeling, and urban planning. Machine learning algorithms are used to detect geographic patterns, predict future land use, and assess natural disaster risks. AI-powered systems accelerate real-time data processing and decision-making, allowing geographers to make more accurate and timely analyses. Potential risks of AI use in geospatial applications include:
A country of in depth history and culture, the Turkish Republic is located where the three continents of the old world, Asia, Africa and Europe, are closest to each other and straddle the point where Europe and Asia meet. Because of this geographical location, the mainland Anatolia has witnessed the mass migration of diverse peoples, shaping the course of history. Home to countless civilizations, Anatolia has developed a unique synthesis of cultures, each with its own distinct identity, yet each linked to its predecessors through insoluble threads. As a modern nation in an ancient land, Türkiye today is the inheritor and conservator of such an essential, shared heritage of humanity.
Surrounded by high mountains and open seas, Türkiye is a cornucopia of natural wonders. Apart from that, Türkiye is noted for its climatic diversity ranging from the Mediterranean to oceanic to continental climates.
The northern regions of Türkiye have an oceanic climate whereas the southern areas are affected by a temperate Mediterranean climate. The continental climate reigning in the internal regions makes one experience four seasons in one day.
The southern regions which are popular among tourists particularly in summer and the central and northern regions of Türkiye which are in demand rather in winter are popular for their cultural heritage as well as the variety of touristic and sports facilities.
Subject to a variety of climates, Anatolia is also rich in flora and fauna. The habitat of numerous varieties of flora and fauna alongside magnificent forests, Türkiye, is worth visiting any season of the year.
Istanbul is a city of unparalleled social and cultural richness. It is as fascinating and historical as it is dynamic and modern. Serving as the capital of two mighty empires incessantly for sixteen centuries, Eastern Roman or Byzantine and Ottoman, and set squarely between two continents, Istanbul has cultures and traditions that blend East with West and Mediterranean with Anatolian. Each civilization that has made Istanbul its home has left its mark in sublime and splendid ways, and the result a city that gives one the feeling of universal history at every step.
With a definitely multicultural touch and a vibrant atmosphere rooted deep in the past experience of humanity while facing toward the future, Istanbul is truly as much a crossroads of ideas and cultures today as ever. For how many cities in the world is home to ages old churches, mosques, and synagogues in such a close proximity, showing us the possibility of a community formed of different cultures living in a state of peace and tolerance that stems from a shared human past and belief in the future?
In its south stretches the Marmara Sea and in its north is the Black Sea. Its western part is in Europe and eastern in Asia. The strategic and aesthetic strait that separates the two coasts of Istanbul together with the two continents is the Bosporus which is the first gate from the Black Sea to the Aegean and then onto Mediterranean. Being a port city and having many major trade paths pass through itself is what has given ultimate significance to the city for thousands of years
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