As we all know, the declaration of official holiday for the universities was given due to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and at the same time, stay-at-home measures were implemented. Within this context, the scientific publications and projects that are made available by İstanbul University in digital media contribute to the education process efficiently. New coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has required many public and social life restrictions. Meanwhile, İstanbul University is fulfilling its social obligation with digital media publications.

Scientific Sources from Our Publishing House

In accordance with international publishing standards and ethical principles; İstanbul University Publishing House offers open access to high quality scientific journals and books, in Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences. Our University offers thousands of scientific works in these fields to the researchers.

More than 9,000 sources, especially the journals such as Darülfünûn Faculty of Medicine Journal, Darülfünûn Faculty of Letters Journal, Darülfünûn Faculty of Science Journal, which started to be published in 1916 and have continued with different names in the present period and they are very important primary sources. They are the basic resource in many subjects from the disciplines of science, medicine, social science and humanities. İstanbul University; having carried out scientific production in various fields such as medicine, mathematics, astronomy, cartography, geography, history, philosophy, religion, literature, language, law for centuries, now offers these resources to the benefit of society with its open access feature in digital environment.

Cultural and Art Projects of Our Virtual Library

The virtual libraries of İstanbul University are another digital medium that can be used in this period where stay-at-home measures are implemented. In the virtual library, which was transferred to digital media by İstanbul University Library and Documentation Department; it is possible to reach many projects from your home such as: “Reading with Atatürk”, “II. Abdülhamid Han Photo Albums Collection”, “The World Ruler”, “A New Look at the Old World” and “Looking at the History Through the Newspapers”.

On the other hand, the collection of books that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk borrowed from İstanbul University Central Library can be accessed through the virtual libraries of İstanbul University. Sultan II. Abdülhamid Khan's Yıldız Photography Collection, which consists of 36,585 frames of photographs in 918 albums, is one of the richest visual archives in the world, and it can be examined virtually.

Kanuni Sultan Suleiman's works and 3 important manuscripts of his period (Divan-ı Muhibbi, Ilan-ı Menazil-i Sefer-i Irakeyn, Kitab-ı Bahriye) can be accessed via virtual gallery in digital media.

"A New Look at the Old World: Thanks to the project, which was implemented under the name of “Virtual Library of Maps and Plans of II. Abdulhamid Era”, 120 selected sample maps with a single copy and high international historical value can be accessed from 789 map collections.

The newspaper archive offers newspapers published in various languages such as, Turkish, German, Bulgarian, French, English, German and English in the period between 1928 and 1942. And, virtually 581,106 pages of images from national and local newspapers in 55 titles can be examined within the scope of the” Gazetteer to History Project".

Hundreds of Years of Musical Note Collections in Omarşiv

Another study of İstanbul University, which is also a pioneer in the field of art, is the Multimedia archive of Ottoman-Turkish music accumulation, which is a sustainable project; OMARŞİV. With OMARŞİV, which aims to bring together the musical repertoire of the Ottoman period from past to present on the basis of individual works and to create a sustainable archive containing all kinds of sources related to the works, it is possible to reach hundreds of years of note collections.

Herewith, a basic and reliable portal can be used to scan the written, visual and audio primary and secondary sources of music accumulation in the geography reached by Ottoman culture in history and to provide detailed information such as composers, lyrics, types, forms, maqam and procedural structures, sources.

With all of these works, İstanbul University presents its historical and cultural background to the benefit of the society and will continue to serve people in the digital environment with its Open Access feature.

To reach İstanbul University Press, please click here

To reach İstanbul University Library and Documentation Department, please click here

To reach İstanbul University Virtual Libraries, please click here

To reach OMARARSIV portal, please click here

31.03.2020

​İstanbul University continues to apply theoretical courses of formal education by distance education in accordance with the decision of the Higher Education Council due to the new type coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). So far, nearly 20,000 educational materials have been made available to our students in eight different content types (textbooks, lecture notes, lecture presentations, lecture videos, textbook links, lecture note links, lecture presentation links, lecture video links) in the learning management system configured within the University.

Textbooks: 1,764
Lecture Notes: 13,850
Course Presentations: 5,872
Lesson Videos: 120
Textbook Links: 528
Lecture Note Links: 890
Course Presentation Links: 276
Lesson Video Links: 1,228
Total number: 22,031

It was stated that the total number of educational contents uploaded to the learning management system (22,031) will be increased in the coming days.

31.03.2020

İstanbul University, under the coordination of Open and Distance Education Faculty (AUZEF), completed the necessary preparations of distance education method of the theoretical parts of the courses in formal programs at all levels. In this context, a new “Learning Management System (IÜÖYS)” has been developed that can work one-to-one compatible with İstanbul University Academic Registration System (AKSIS), which our Faculty and students are currently using.

The information meeting detailing the general features of this system and how the process will work was held on 19.03.2020. The meeting was chaired by the Vice-Rector and the Dean of AUZEF, Prof. Dr. Levent Şahin. The deans of our faculties and the principals of our institutes, vocational schools and high schools attended the meeting.

Academic and technical personnel who will be responsible for the units were also determined at the meeting. On the other hand, the types of educational content that will be prepared within the framework of theoretical courses were also discussed.

İstanbul University has been carrying out all infrastructure preparations for the presentation of formal education by distance education method with great sensitivity and has been taking care to avoid any disruption by doing the necessary studies.

20.03.2020

​After the coronavirus basic information training for all the University staff, İstanbul University continues its coronavirus precaution studies with a new informational meeting. The department heads and secretaries of Faculty, Institute, School and Vocational schools attended the COVID-19 meeting. The meeting was held at 09: 00 in the morning on 12.03.2020 in the Senate Hall of the University Rectorate Building.

The coronavirus precaution meeting was held in order to inform the Faculty and evaluate the maximum measures that must be taken. All the related information was shared in the official accounts of İstanbul University. It was pointed out that personal hygiene is the most important measure in the fight against the virus. Because the government increased the measures, the University staff who went abroad were contacted with and were asked to rest for 15 days at home after their return. The University stopped its assignments abroad as a precaution and cancelled the events such as conferences and seminars.

Considering the findings related to the virus; unit managers were warned to pay attention to the ventilation of the offices, the general office cleaning and the presence of disinfectants at the office entrances. It was underlined that there was not a situation to cause panic and that the measures were followed seriously.

In this respect, the buildings were checked and consequently, one and a half tons of disinfectant, ten tons of liquid hand soap, five hundred boxes of toilet paper were ordered. It was also announced that disinfectants would be distributed to one hundred and fifty places for students and staff. In this context it was announced that; each of the department heads and secretaries of the faculties, institutes, colleges and vocational schools participating in the meeting are under the responsibility of their field and are authorized. In case they encounter a problem, it was informed that they should contact the General Secretary of İstanbul University.

In the second part of the meeting, participants gave information about the problems they faced. In particular, the students of our University who are currently abroad will be contacted. On the other hand, if students cannot return to Turkey or if they quarantine themselves, the necessary facilities will be provided for them and the necessary controls will be done for them without coming to the campus. The University is also in contact with the students who are abroad.

The meeting ended after the participants asked some questions related with the subject.

12.03.2020

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Oral Öncül made explanations about the precautions to be taken for the coronavirus outbreak. He also talked about the conscious actions to do in the emerging panic environment.

The coronavirus outbreak, which spread to many countries in the world in recent days, caused quarantines and other serious developments such as countries closing their border crossings. International concern about coronavirus in the media about the epidemic also caused a panic environment. Istanbul University Vice-Rector, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Oral Öncül, at Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, made explanations about the measures to be taken to protect people from coronavirus outbreak. He also talked about the precautions to be taken in the fight against coronavirus and pointed out what a conscious movement is.

According to the latest data, the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, spread to 42 countries around the world. Coronavirus, which affected about 83,000 people since its emergence and caused 2,900 people to lose their lives in the world, brought about a social anxiety in our country after spreading to the neighboring countries of Turkey. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Oral Öncül stated that coronavirus is in fact, the name of a common virus known as cold and mild symptoms of the upper respiratory system. Prof. Dr. Öncül stated that the new coronavirus, called” Covid-19", is different from other known coronaviruses. ‘’Because of some mutations, the effects of new coronavirus are now different’’. Prof. Dr. Öncül emphasized that this virus differs from other viruses in that it can cause deaths and it can spread rapidly, especially in patients with weak immune systems and patients with respiratory problems.

The Disease Might Be Overcome with Mild Symptoms in 4 Patient Out of 5 Patients

The new coronavirus can lead to deaths due to serious lung infections in more sensitive patients with a high risk of infection. Prof. Dr. Öncül said, “We see the signs of fever at 85 percent or 90 percent of the patients affected by the new coronavirus”. This disease might be overcome with very mild symptoms in 4 out of 5 patients in other patient groups. We encounter important findings, such as respiratory failure and cough in terms of diagnosis. This disease usually holds on the lower respiratory tract. On the other hand, the more severe disease at patients with high risk may require admission to intensive care for reasons arising from respiratory failure. However, we have to say that the virus has a low killing rate now. At the beginning, it was around 2.4-2.5 percent, but according to the latest information, this rate is 4.3 percent. It is also possible that this rate is low considering that the disease only affects patients with high risk potential.’’

Prof. Dr Öncül added that, there is no cure for the new coronavirus now, but some studies for the treatment of the disease continue. Prof. Dr. Öncül said that China and Japan tried two different products for the disease. With these studies, some positive responses were recorded from the agents used in the latest Ebola virus. Prof. Öncül said “Treatment studies are ongoing, but unfortunately we do not have an approved, licensed drug yet”.

“We Must Wash Our Hands For At Least 20 Seconds” Each Time

Prof. Dr. Öncül said that in order to protect against new coronavirus, taking individual measures and social sensitivity are both important. Dr. Öncül stated that, the most important act in virus protection is to prevent the entry of the virus to the body and if the entry can’t be blocked, we should resort to the methods that will prevent its hold in the respiratory tract. He said: “In this sense, it is of great importance to take measures in terms of personal hygiene. We need to take high protection measures in areas where the virus can be transmitted and spread. The virus can spread to the environment and remain there after sneezing and coughing. Although the virus that does not last very long and can lose its viability within hours, it is possible to carry these viruses into our own respiratory tract with our hands. That's why hand cleaning is very important. We must wash our hands with soap under water for at least 20 seconds each time, covering all areas such as fingertips and palms. Another important point is to make mouth and nose gargle. Because the washing of the nasopharyngeal part can be quite effective for the elimination of these viruses.”

“Not Everyone Needs to Wear Masks for Prevention”

Prof. Dr. Öncül also informed us about the use of masks, which is another issue that is ambiguous for the society. Prof. Dr. Öncül said” If you are sensitive, your immune system is suppressed, or if you are a lung patient, the mask should definitely be used”. Prof. Öncül stated that surgical masks are enough in this respect because the virus is a droplet-transmitted virus. In the case of an encounter with such a patient, the mask should be used to prevent the transmission of the virus through droplets. Dr. Öncül underlined that there is no need for everyone in the society to wear masks.

Prof. Dr. Öncül added,’’ The new coronavirus, bird flu, SARS, MERS-CoV viruses seen in the past, and the swine flu that still continue to affect today, all emergencies in China, and there are some theories which might explain this issue. There are views that animals carrying viruses are more likely to be settled in those regions or eating habits in this region are causing this. "Prof. Dr. Öncül added that there is no scientific study that explains this situation clearly yet.

"There Must Be No Panic”

As the number of countries where the virus is seen increases, Prof. Dr. Öncül stated that there was no need to create such an atmosphere of panic: “The impression of a worrying environment was created in the community during the outbreak. When we watch TV, we see images showing a young person walking on the pavement and falling there. Obviously, we don't experience sudden deaths from such a viral disease. These are in fact, the methods used to raise the awareness of the community on this issue. What needs to be done here is to take rational measures using the scientific methodologies. According to the latest data, the coronavirus, which has spread to 42 countries, has spread as far as Brazil, has located in the Southern Hemisphere below the Equator. This suggests that the virus may have caused the pandemic. The new coronavirus is similar in structure past SARS and MERS-CoV viruses. In fact, this virus, seen in animals, can spread between humans by undergoing metamorphosis. Although it is possible to consider this as an alarming situation, we can easily overcome it by using logical and scientific methods.”

The Ministry of Health Took the Necessary Measures

"One of the developments after the coronavirus outbreak is that countries closed their border crossings to prevent the spread of the virus. People suspect that the virus may also be present in Turkey, following cases of coronavirus outbreaks in countries such as Italy, Greece and Iran. At this point, people are taking protective measures and the social awareness is also increased. Besides this, the Ministry of Health has also taken the necessary measures. For instance, they control the transportation process that can lead to the transfer of patients from risky countries. Prof. Dr Öncül said, “At airports, fever measurements are made with thermal cameras and symptomatic patients are taken under control. In eastern Iran, such an epidemic has advanced. In relation to this, the entrances and exits were blocked and controlled, and two field hospitals were created there. We see that isolation of suspicious patients is extremely important for early control. Such isolation of 14 days is very significant in terms of early detection and protection of this disease. A scientific board was also established by doctors and the experts of the subject. All kinds of informative forms about the disease were created. A detailed study was done on the definition of the disease, about ways to recognize the disease and apply personal and social methods of prevention. These are extremely successful steps for the prevention of the disease.

“We Must Produce Our Own Vaccine”

‘’Mutations in coronavirus and other virus species thereafter will continue’’. Prof. Dr. Öncül emphasized that Turkey should produce its own vaccine.” Just as we are making our national defense industry strong, we are armed, we need to be armed against these viral agents, too. So; we need to produce our own vaccine. " Prof. Dr. Öncül pointed out that Turkey can take early measures against any threat that may develop when Turkey produces its own vaccine and added that investments should be made in this regard technologically.

“We Will Eventually Encounter Coronavirus”

Prof. Dr. Öncül stated that panic and chaos atmosphere should not be created. He concluded his speech as follows: "As Turkey, we will eventually encounter this virus. We should accept that. Even if the controls are maintained, the virus has a period of 4-5 days, which we call the incubation period. During this time, patients who have not been ill yet will enter the country without getting noticed. This means that we will encounter these patients one way or another. Still, the fact that we're facing a situation like this shouldn't create chaos. In such cases, the patients, hospitals, and the treatment issues will all be determined by the experts. The Ministry of Health is aware of this. We have all kinds of medical supplies that can handle this process. So, we've done our homework. Since the infrastructure of all kinds of requirements is prepared, I think we will carry out a successful fight on this issue. And I believe that after a while, this virus will disappear.”

05.03.2020

The coronavirus disease, which emerged in Wuhan, China and spread to many countries and caused deaths, is one of the top issues on the global agenda. The virus affected 11,860 people in total and killed 259 people. Therefore, the curiosity about the virus is increasing day by day. Head of the department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology in the Istanbul University Istanbul Medical Faculty Prof. Dr. Haluk Eraksoy gave information about the emergence, spread, symptoms and ways of protection of the new coronavirus.

The new coronavirus came on the agenda in Wuhan, China on the 31st December 2019 with the detection of pneumonia findings at 4 people who are connected with and visiting market where live animals and their products are sold. On January 7, 2020, it was understood that the virus that spread to many countries in the world and caused deaths belonged to the “coronavirus family” after examining the samples taken from patients. And this new virus was called “new coronavirus 2019”, namely 2019-nCoV.

Stating that coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause disease in humans, Prof. Dr. Haluk Eraksoy said that coronaviruses circulating among some animal species such as bats; also gained the ability to infect to people, by changing over time. He noted that coronaviruses can pose a threat if they gain the ability to spread from person to person. Prof. Dr. Eraksoy said, “Four of the coronaviruses that can cause disease in humans lead to cold or flu. Two coronaviruses which are called SARS and MERS shortly, are the cause of more severe respiratory diseases. It was understood that musk cats were the source of SARS, and camels were the source of MERS.”

Countries Where Coronavirus Is Seen

Stating that the 7th coronavirus was seen in China and 259 of 11,860 people affected by this virus were confirmed, Prof. Dr. Eraksoy said that all deaths occurred in China. And he also stated that the countries where the disease occurred and the number of patients are as follows: “1988 in China, 6 in Taiwan, 5 in Thailand, 4 in Australia, Malaysia and Singapore, 3 in France, 2 in the USA and Vietnam, 3 in Japan and South Korea,1 in Canada and Nepal. ”

“The Disease Shows itself with Fever, Cough and Shortness of Breath”

Prof. Dr. Eraksoy made statements about the symptoms of the new coronavirus-related disease and he noted that the disease manifested itself with 39 degrees of fever, cough, and shortness of breath which begins suddenly after an incubation period of 2-14 days. Underlining that in some patients there may be sore throat and runny nose, Prof. Dr. Eraksoy said, "Almost all of the seriously ill and deceased people are elderly or people with lung diseases, organ failure, cancer and diabetes." He also stated that the disease is relatively mild in young healthy adults.

“Close Contact more than 2 Meters Is Required for the Infection”

Stating that the new coronavirus is thought to be infected by respiratory secretions, Prof. Dr. Eraksoy emphasized that viruses spread to the environment through coughs, sneezes, and speech and infect healthy people and cause them to get sick, in the end. He said, “In order to the disease to be transmitted from person to person in this way, close contact of more than 2 meters is required.”

“Coronavirus Did Not Spread in Our Country”

Things to do to protect against the new coronavirus are also a matter of curiosity. Noting that coronavirus didn't spread in our country, Prof. Dr. Eraksoy said, “There is no vaccine to prevent disease, and for now, the most effective method is to avoid contact with sick people. To be protected not only from the new coronavirus but also from all other respiratory viruses, it is necessary to pay attention, especially hand cleaning."

19.02.2020

Seven steps to prevent the spread of the virus

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How to protect yourself against COVID-19?

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Q&A: COVID-19 in the workplace

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Q&A on COVID-19 and mental health

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What can you do to fight stigma associated with COVID-19?

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