Founders
Prof. Dr. Ekrem Akurgal
(b. March 30, 1911 – d. November 1, 2002)
A prominent Turkish archaeologist, Prof. Dr. Ekrem Akurgal is renowned for his extensive research on ancient Anatolian civilizations. He played a pivotal role in uncovering and preserving Türkiye's archaeological heritage.
Seher Alyot
An educator at the Girls' Technical Teacher Training School, Alyot dedicated her career to advancing women's technical education in Turkey, empowering numerous young women in the field.
Suat Bolayır
As the General Director of the Soil Office, Bolayır was instrumental in implementing agricultural policies and land management practices, contributing to Türkiye's agricultural development.
Mithat Demirkut
Serving as a consultant in the Ministry of Transport, Demirkut played a role in shaping Türkiye's transportation policies during his tenure.
Nezih Devres
A Turkish engineer and politician, Nezih Devres served as the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources in the 33rd Government of the Republic of Türkiye, appointed from outside the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to engineering and energy policy in Türkiye. Devres passed away in Brussels and is remembered for his role in advancing the country's energy sector.
Burhan Doğançay
He was a renowned Turkish painter and photographer celebrated for his urban wall-themed artworks. His works are part of prestigious collections, including Belgium's Musée Royaux des Beaux-Arts and the European Parliament. Doğançay's art is internationally recognized for its unique perspective on urban landscapes, blending elements of modernism and abstraction.
Ahmet Mithat Dülge
Mithat Dülge graduated from the School of Civil Administration in 1923. He began as a subdistrict governor before joining the Ministry of Finance’s Inspection Board in 1924 after training in Paris. He later held key roles at T.C. Ziraat Bank, serving as General Director (1950–1960). After retiring, he was elected as an MP for Manisa in 1961. Dülge made significant contributions to Türkiye’s banking and financial systems.
Semih Günver
A Galatasaray High School and Ankara University Law graduate, he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1949, serving in multiple countries. Appointed ambassador in 1957, he held the role until retiring in 1982. Later, he wrote essays and books, blending personal experiences with literary depth, often highlighting the human side of diplomacy.
Nilüfer Bayar Gürsoy
Nilüfer Gürsoy (1921–2024) was a Turkish academic, translator, and politician, and the daughter of Türkiye’s 3rd President, Celal Bayar. She specialized in Classical Philology at Ankara University, earning a doctorate in 1954. Her translation of Plutarch’s Lives was published in 1945. Gürsoy served as an MP for Bursa and Istanbul between 1965 and 1980, representing the Justice Party and later the Democratic Party. She was married to Dr. Ahmet İhsan Gürsoy and was the mother of distinguished academics.
Kemal Kerpiçci
Kemal Kerpiçci graduated from Charleroi Business University in 1940. He started as a trainee teacher and later became a Ministry Inspector, Principal of Ankara Male Technical Teacher’s School, and Director-General of Vocational and Technical Higher Education. From 1972 to 1974, he served as Undersecretary for Vocational and Technical Education before retiring.
Zeyyat Mandalinci
Mandalinci was a Turkish politician, businessman, and UN advisor. A graduate of Istanbul Boys’ High School and the Paris School of Political Science, he served as an MP for Muğla across multiple terms. He was a member of the Council of Europe, chaired the Turkish Delegation, led the Foreign Affairs Commission, and served as Minister of Economics and Trade in the 22nd government.
Mûnis Fâik Ozansoy
Mûnis Fâik Ozansoy (son of poet Faik Ali Ozansoy and nephew of Süleyman Nazif) was a Turkish bureaucrat, poet, and writer. A graduate of Galatasaray High School and Ankara University Law, he held key roles at İş Bank, the Presidency, and the Central Bank. He also served as Turkey’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO. Publishing poetry from 1930, he contributed to journals like Hisar. He passed away in Paris in 1975.
Eşref Özand
He was a prominent Turkish engineer and bureaucrat. He worked on significant projects, including the Konya irrigation and Ankara’s drinking water systems. Özand was also active in professional associations, including the Turkish Chamber of Civil Engineers, and contributed to various publications on hydrology and geophysics. He was a founding member and president of the Turkish-Belgian Friendship and Culture Association.
Fuat Pekin
A senior engineer and former Secretary General of the Soil Office, Pekin was also known as an art critic, contributing to Turkey's cultural discourse.
Akif Tuncel
Born in 1916 in Ankara, he studied in Belgium and had a distinguished career in technical education. He held key roles, including General Director of Girls’ Technical Education and Undersecretary (1970–1971). He also taught at technical teacher schools and contributed significantly to Türkiye’s education system before retiring in 1971.
Nusret Uzgören
Nusret Uzgören was a renowned cooperative specialist from Niš, Serbia. After graduating from Lausanne University in 1922, he held key positions in various banks, including General Manager of Halk Bankası. He chaired the Turkish Cooperative Institution four times and played a key role in establishing cooperatives and enacting the Cooperatives Law in Türkiye. Uzgören published widely on cooperatives, with his writings compiled in 1955 under Nusret Uzgören Diyor Ki.
Suut Kemal Yetkin
Suut Kemal Yetkin (1905–1980) was a Turkish art historian, educator, and writer. He studied in France and became a professor of aesthetics and art history at Istanbul and Ankara universities. He founded the Turkish and Islamic Arts History Institute, organized the first International Congress of Turkish Art in 1959, and served as rector of Ankara University. With over 40 books and 80 articles, Yetkin made significant contributions to Turkish intellectual life and art history.
Dr. İbrahim Sıtkı Yırcalı
Yırcalı, born to a prominent figure in the Turkish War of Independence, completed his education at Istanbul Erkek Lisesi, Istanbul University, and earned a law doctorate in Paris. He worked as a tax inspector and later became involved in journalism and law. Joining the Democratic Party in 1945, he served as an MP and held ministerial roles in the Ministries of Economy, Industry, and Tourism. After the 1960 coup, he was imprisoned and later released. He served as a senator from 1975 to 1980 and was also a writer, with notable works like Batıya Kalkan Tren and Toprak Gemi.