Future Engineers Conduct On-Site Inspections of Istanbul’s Flood-Prone Areas Civil Engineering students at Istanbul Nişantaşı University conducted field investigations in areas affected by heavy rainfal in Istanbul, examining the causes of flooding, assessing the performance of infrastructure systems during extreme weather events, and evaluating potential engineering solutions on site. The Department of Civil Engineering at Istanbul Nişantaşı University’s Faculty of Engineering and Architecture has added another initiative to its efforts to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical education. Led by Prof. Dr. Ceyhun Özçelik, the technical field investigation focused on the causes and impacts of flooding in Ayazağa, Cendere, Vadistanbul, and Kağıthane following the heavy rainfal that affected Istanbul on October 14, 2026. During the field study, which brought together more than 20 students from different countries, participants evaluated the effects of urbanization, interventions in stream channels, stormwater drainage systems, and infrastructure capacity on flood risks. Causes of Flooding Examined from an Engineering Perspective As part of the field investigation, students had the opportunity to observe structural and environmental factors that could contribute to flooding, particularly along Ayazağa Stream, Cendere, and Kağıthane Stream. In the Ayazağa area, the investigation focused on stream channel modifications, enclosed stream sections, development in flood-prone areas, and the connections between tributaries and main watercourses. Around Vadistanbul, students assessed the adequacy of surface drainage systems, the impact of transportation infrastructure on stormwater discharge, and the vulnerability of building basements to flooding. In Kağıthane, the study addressed the effects of changes in stream cross-sections on water flow, drainage capacity, and chalenges associated with directing surface runoff into stream channels. The technical investigations emphasized that unplanned urban development, inadequate drainage infrastructure, and modifications to natural water flow paths are significant factors that may increase flood risks. Theoretical Knowledge Put into Practice in the Field The field study provided an international, practice-oriented learning environment, bringing together students from various countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Yemen, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, and Nigeria. Civil Engineering students observed how the theoretical knowledge they had acquired in courses such as Hydraulic Structures, Hydraulics, and Hydrology applies to real-world conditions. Through this field experience, they gained a deeper understanding of the importance of incorporating disaster risks into engineering designs and using scientific data in infrastructure planning. We Are Educating Skilled Engineers for Disaster-Resilient Cities Highlighting the educational significance of the field study, Prof. Dr. Ceyhun Özçelik, a faculty member of the Department of Civil Engineering at Istanbul Nişantaşı University, emphasized that engineering education should not be limited to theoretical knowledge alone. Prof. Dr. Özçelik stated that the investigation enabled students to directly observe the processes leading to flooding, the consequences of deficiencies in infrastructure systems, and the impact of engineering decisions on society. Drawing attention to the responsibilities engineers undertake in building disaster-resilient cities, Özçelik emphasized the importance of equipping future engineers with scientific knowledge, technical skills, and practical field experience. Educating Future Engineers Through Practice-Oriented Learning In line with its practice-oriented educational approach, Istanbul Nişantaşı University continues to enhance students’ professional knowledge and skills through real-world experiences. In addition to strengthening students’ technical analysis abilities, the field study contributed to their professional awareness of disaster risk reduction, sustainable urbanization, and the development of safe and resilient infrastructure systems. With its diverse international student community and hands-on educational opportunities, Istanbul Nişantaşı University remains committed to educating future engineers who will contribute to designing safer and more resilient cities.