Google Doodle pays tribute to Turkey's first woman astronomer on her birthday
Click to read the article in Turkish
Today's Google Doodle commemorates the birthday of Prof. Dr. Nüzhet Gökdoğan, a distinguished astronomer and mathematician, recognized as one of Turkey's pioneering woman astronomers.
The Doodle features a depiction of Gökdoğan, celebrating her legacy as one of Turkey's first women astronomers. Alongside images of planets and books, Google pays tribute to her significant contributions.
Upon clicking the Doodle, users are directed to a page that provides information and news about Prof. Dr. Nüzhet Gökdoğan, who was born on August 14, 1910, in İstanbul.
About Nüzhet Gökdoğan
Prof. Dr. Nüzhet Gökdoğan, an esteemed astronomer and academic, was born on August 14, 1910, in İstanbul, and passed away on April 24, 2003.
She is celebrated as one of Turkey's earliest woman scientists, as well as the country's first woman astronomer and dean.
After graduating from Erenköy Girls' High School in 1928, Gökdoğan earned a government scholarship to pursue a mathematics and physics degree in France. She completed her mathematics degree at Lyon University in 1932 and began her physics studies at Paris University in 1933, where she also undertook an internship at Paris Observatory. Subsequently, she returned to Turkey.
| Photo: Turkish Astronomical Society |
She was appointed to the Astronomy Institute at İstanbul University Faculty of Science and actively contributed to the establishment of an observatory in the university's campus. In 1936, she was appointed as an associate professor at the Higher Engineering School, now İstanbul Technical University (İTÜ), becoming the institution's first woman staff member.
In 1937, she completed her doctoral dissertation at İstanbul University Faculty of Science. This dissertation remains registered as the "number one" thesis in the faculty records.
During her tenure at the Higher Engineering School, she met Mukbil Gökdoğan, whom she married in 1938. They had two children: a daughter named Gönül (1941) and a son named Ömer Can (1946).
In 1940, she attained the title of associate professor. The same year, she translated William Marshall Smart's work "Spherical Astronomy" into Turkish. In 1948, she became a full professor.
Gökdoğan played a pivotal role in founding the Turkish Mathematics Society (1948) and the Turkish Women's Association (1949). At various times, she served as the president of the Turkish Women's Association. In 1954, she co-established the Turkish Astronomy Society with several other astronomers, and she held the presidency of the society for two decades.
On June 23, 1954, Gökdoğan was elected as the dean of İstanbul University Faculty of Science, becoming Turkey's first woman dean. She served in this role for two years. From 1958 onwards, she chaired the Department of Astronomy for 22 years. In 1978, she was elected dean for the second time. She retired while continuing to serve as dean and department chair in 1980.
Throughout her academic career, Gökdoğan translated six textbooks, authored three textbooks, and published 13 scientific articles. She played a significant role in the establishment of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) National Observatory. Gökdoğan passed away on April 24, 2003, and was laid to rest at Zincirlikuyu Cemetery in İstanbul. (HA/VK)