Personal Information

Leading expert in architecture, restoration, and cultural heritage in Türkiye. Born in 1945 in Kuzguncuk, Istanbul. Completed primary education at Kuzguncuk Primary School and secondary education at Haydarpaşa High School.

Education

• State Academy of Fine Arts (DGSA), School of Architecture – Architecture
• Istanbul State Academy of Engineering and Architecture – Specialization in Restoration
• Istanbul University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Turkish and Islamic Arts – PhD
• Doctoral Dissertation: “The Settlement of Istanbul” Academic Appointments
• Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts (İDGSA) – Research Assistant (1970–1976)
• Istanbul University, Faculty of Letters – Lecturer (1974–1981)
• İDGSA – Lecturer (1976–1983)
• Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University – Lecturer (1983–1991)
• Marmara University, Faculty of Fine Arts – Lecturer (1991–2007) Public Appointments
• Istanbul Conservation Council – Member & Chair (1989–1992 / 2009–2011)
• Beşiktaş Municipality – Municipal Council Member (1989–2009)
• Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality – Council Member (1994–1999)
• Beşiktaş Municipality – Council Chair (1999–2004) 

Professional Experience

Throughout his architectural career, led the design and implementation processes of some of Türkiye’s most significant projects in both restoration and contemporary architecture. Restoration work has played a pioneering role in the development of conservation awareness in Türkiye.

Awarded the Preservation Art Achievement Award for the Antalya Kaleiçi Sevgi Gönül House Restoration. Major restoration projects include:

• Büyükada Anadolu Club
• Bağlarbaşı Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion
• Mediterranean Civilizations Research Institute (Antalya)
• Pera Museum
• Istanbul Research Institute
• Galatasaray University

Major projects in contemporary architecture include:

• Ford Showroom
• Karsan Automotive Factory
• EMKO Housing
• Baksı Museum
• Antalya Culture and Arts Center Publications
• From Constantinople to Istanbul – Photographs of the Rumelian Shore of the Bosphorus from the Mid-19th to the Early 20th Century (2006)
• From Constantinople to Istanbul – Photographs of the Anatolian Shore of the Bosphorus from the Mid-19th to the Early 20th Century (2012)

Media Activities

Regular contributor to radio and television programs. Weekly columnist for Milliyet newspaper. Awards

• Presidential Grand Award – Architecture Category (2023)
• Preservation Art Achievement Award – Antalya Kaleiçi Sevgi Gönül House Restoration