Can Geyran Seashell Center

Photo by Mehmet Tütüncü

Can Geyran Seashell Center, where shell species from the seas all over the world and especially from Turkey are on display, was opened in Dragos, Istanbul.

The seashell collection of this non-profit center contains more than 1000 species from various seas and about 300 seashells are displayed. Can Geyran Seashells Center also include a library, open to the visitors, with more than 500 publications.

The shells are displayed thematically:
- Description of seashells
- History of seashells
- Seashells in animal world
- Classification of species
- Common characteristics of species
- Mankind and seashells – usage of seashells in trading, as tools and instruments, ornaments, foods, dyes, medicines, art and architecture.
   
The center is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday between 11:00 and 17:00.  For other days and hours the center can be visited by appointment. Admission is free.

Kemal Geyran, founder of the center, is a keen seashell collector and has collected 1100 different species all over the world. When his only child Can Geyran died of a heart attack in 2007, Kemal Geyran opened and dedicated this center to him.

Kemal Geyran specified that “Can Geyran Seashell Center” is the only seashell center in Turkey and he aims to enrich the publications and seashell species with exchange and donation basis by contacting collectors, researchers and related establishments. He also aims to set up a library where the visitors can benefit from, to publish an informative book on Turkey’s seashells, and to help the development of environmental consciousness in early ages by having elementary schools visit the center.

Can Geyran Deniz Kabukları Merkezi
Papatya Sokak, 12 – Dragos-Istanbul
Tel: (216) 383 16 62
www.cangshells.com

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