Ahmet Mete Işıkara

Ahmet Mete Işıkara (22 October 1941 – 21 January 2013) was a Turkish geophysicist and earthquake scientist. He was born in Mersin, Turkey, and pursued his higher education at Istanbul University, Imperial College London, and the University of Göttingen. Throughout his career, Işıkara focused on seismology and geomagnetism, holding positions at institutions like Boğaziçi University and serving as the director of the Kandilli Observatory. He became widely recognized for his extensive efforts to raise public awareness about earthquake preparedness and safety, particularly following the devastating 1999 İzmit earthquake. His relatable demeanor and clear communication earned him the nickname "Deprem Dede" (Grandpa Earthquake). A notable quote attributed to him is "Quakes don’t kill, buildings do." Beyond his scientific work, Işıkara also ventured into politics, running for a parliamentary seat with the True Path Party in the 2002 general elections, though he was unsuccessful. He passed away in Istanbul in 2013 from respiratory insufficiency. A primary school in Mersin has been named in his honor, commemorating his legacy.