Prof. Dr. M. Zeki KARAGÜLLE

Graduated from İstanbul Faculty of Medicine in 1977. Worked as a government physician in İstanbul, Eminönü. Started specialist training at Chair of Medical Ecology and Hydroclimatology in İstanbul Faculty of Medicine in 1979. He became a specialist in 1983. He became assistant professor in 1987 in Medical Ecology and Hydroclimatology Department and professor in 1995. He became the chairman of the same department between 1999-2008. Still a lecturer in the same department, Prof. Karagülle lectures on pre-graduation medicine training, after graduation Medical Ecology and Hydroclimatology specialist training and Medical Ecology and Hydroclimatology for post graduate and PhD programs in İstanbul University Health Sciences Institute as instructor and consultant lecturer.

A well known authority in Thermal Spas and Ecological (Natural) Medicine and Treatment, thermal water and bottled mineral water, Thalassotherapy and SPA and wellness in Turkey and around the world, Prof. Karagülle is the chairman of Turkish Society of Spa Medicine and Balneology, Thermal Spa, Thalasso and Cure Centers Association and International Society of Medical Hidrology and Climatology. He is also the Board of Directors Member and Medicine Committee Director of European Spas Association.

In his 30 years of academic studies, Prof. Karagülle has researched and made scientific studies on the use of thermal and mineral water, medical mud, climate elements and other natural elements as well as natural and traditional methods and Turkish bath in treating various diseases including specifically rheumatism and also on methods within the scope of wellness and to maintain and strengthen health. Publishing his findings in over 200 reports, declarations, compilations and articles published in journals at home and abroad, Karagülle is also the editor and author of books “Thermal Spa Medicine and Thermal Spa Guide of Turkey”, “Thermal Spa and Thalasso Therapy Guide of Turkey”, “Balneology and Thermal Spa Medicine”, “Natural Mineral Water and Human Health” and “Bottled Water and Health”.

Prof. Karagülle has and is organizing Turkish Spa Medicine and Balneology Congresses, International Society of Medical Hidrology and Climatology Congresses, International Health Tourism Congresses along with balneology congresses organized with cooperation from German and Hungarian associations. Additionally he has held a series of national and international symposiums, panels, courses and workshops on Thermal Medicine, Hydroclimatology and Balneology, Health Tourism and SPA and wellness and has also spoke in many similar meetings as a guest.

Prof. Karagülle’s works on thermal medicine and thermal spas include establishment, increasing quality standards or consultancy on how to improve treatment programs for spas/thermal facilities such as İstanbul Tuzla, İzmir Çeşme, Altınyunus, Sheraton and Balçova, Sivas Kangal Balıklı thermal spa, Balıkesir Gönen, Asya-Pamukçu, Denizli Karahayıt Herakles and Richmond, Aydın Davutlar Naturmed and Antakya Ottoman Palace. He also conducted clinic researches on efficiency and effectiveness of cures and treatments in such facilities. Prof. Karagülle has worked with Antalya Lara Barut, Belek Pine Beach Aydın Didim Caprice Palace and İzmir Çeşme, Altınyunus and Sheraton thalassotherapy facilities in establishing them or improving their quality standards or in formation of their treatment programs. He was the consultant on quality improvement in spa and wellness centers of Antalya Belek Ela Quality Resort, Cornelia Diamaond and Lara Deiphine Palace within the scope of European Spas Association. He was also commissioned in legal framework studies on Thermal Spas and Mineral Water for the Ministry of Health and actively participated the issue of Regulation on Thermal Spas and Regulation on Bottled Mineral Water. He is still a member of Medical Evaluation Board in Ministry of Health established as per “Regulations on Thermal Spas”. Prof. Karagülle has recently focused on Health Tourism and his works were directed towards utilizing thermal, SPA and thalassotherapy opportunities and methods in Turkey within the scope of health tourism. He is at present a member in Turkish Health Tourism Platform under Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Married and has three children, Prof. Karagülle speaks English and German.

Institution: İstanbul Üniversitesi İstanbul Tıp Fakültesi Head of Medical Ecology and Hydroclimatology Department

Address:Millet cad. 126
34093 İstanbul / Turkey
Tel: +90 212 635 12 01
+90 532 477 69 65
Fax: +90 212 531 89 04
Email: mzkaragulle@tnn.net
Web: www.istanbul.edu.tr
www.spa-turkey.com
www.ismh-direct.net