DMM: Claims of Kandilli Observatory’s Istanbul Geomagnetic Station Closure Are False
Istanbul, February 9, 2026 – The Directorate of Communications (DMM) has issued a statement refuting claims circulating on social media that the Kandilli Observatory’s geomagnetic station in Istanbul has been closed. The DMM clarified that the allegations suggesting the station’s closure and the necessity for two stations in Istanbul and Iznik for earthquake predictions are unfounded.
Technical Modernization and Relocation to Iznik
According to the DMM’s statement, the action taken was not a closure but a technical modernization and relocation. This move involved transferring measurements to the Iznik Station, a more isolated area, to preserve international measurement standards. This decision was made due to the increasing magnetic noise and pollution in Istanbul.
“The claims circulating on some social media platforms, stating that ‘Kandilli Observatory’s geomagnetic station in Istanbul has been closed’ and that two stations in Istanbul and Iznik are needed for earthquake predictions, do not reflect the truth,” the DMM announced. “The operation in question is not a closure; it is a technical modernization and relocation consisting of transferring measurements to the Iznik Station, a more isolated area, to preserve international measurement standards due to the increasing magnetic noise and pollution in Istanbul.”
Uninterrupted Geomagnetic Data Flow
The DMM emphasized that there has been no interruption in the geomagnetic data flow at any time. During the transition period, the Istanbul-Kandilli (ISK) and Iznik (IZN) stations operated simultaneously for a certain period. This ensured a seamless transfer of operations and data collection.
No Scientific Basis for Earthquake Prediction Claims
Furthermore, the DMM highlighted that geomagnetic data alone is insufficient to predict the location, time, and magnitude of earthquakes. The claims suggesting otherwise lack scientific basis.
“Geomagnetic data alone is not sufficient to predict the location, time, and magnitude of earthquakes in advance. Claims in this regard have no scientific basis,” the statement read. “The public is kindly requested not to give credit to posts that contain speculation and aim to create fear and panic.”
Public Urged to Disregard Speculative Posts
The Directorate urged the public to disregard speculative posts that aim to create fear and panic. This statement aims to combat misinformation and provide accurate information regarding the operations of the Kandilli Observatory.
Background on Kandilli Observatory
The Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (KOERI) is a major Turkish institution for earthquake monitoring and research. It plays a crucial role in seismic activity monitoring and providing data for scientific studies. The geomagnetic stations are vital for collecting data on the Earth’s magnetic field, which is used in various scientific disciplines, including space weather and geological studies.
Importance of Accurate Information
In an era of rapid information dissemination, the DMM’s clarification underscores the importance of relying on official and scientifically validated sources for information, especially concerning sensitive topics like earthquake predictions and scientific infrastructure.
