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Bilkent University lost its founder, Prof. Ýhsan Doðramacý, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of , on Thursday, February 25, at Hospital where he was being treated. Hocabey will always be remembered for his contributions to health care and higher education. We extend our condolences to his family, the Bilkent community, the nation and the international community.

Commemoration ceremonies will be held to pay tribute to Prof. Doðramacý at the following locations and times: Saturday, February 27, at 9:30 a.m. at Hacettepe University M Lecture Hall, at 1:30 p.m. the same day at the Bilkent University Concert Hall, and Sunday, February 28, at 9:30 a.m. at the Council of Higher Education.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2010, at following the noon prayers and burial will take place at the Doðramacýzade Ali Paþa Mosque.

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Professor Ýhsan Doðramacý was born invited Professor Doðramacý to advise As early as 1946, while still a research While serving as chairman of the 95 years ago in , northern , on the drafting of a new law governing fellow in pediatrics at Washington Executive Board of UNICEF, which was then part of the Ottoman higher education in the country. His University in the United States, he had Professor Doðramacý became a Empire. As the son of an influential recommendations for restructuring the historic opportunity to be a member of the Advisory Board of the Turkmen family, his background was ’s higher education system signatory to the Constitution of the International Children's Center in intimately linked to the history and included establishing a Council of World Health Organization. Following Paris, and he continued as a Board heritage of the Empire. His father, Ali Higher Education, with its president his return to Turkey, WHO asked him member from 1970 to 1984. When the Pasha Doðramacý, was mayor of Erbil, reporting directly to the president of the to visit and advise on the establishment ICC in Paris was dissolved in 1999 and his mother was the daughter of a Republic. He was appointed to head the of new schools of medicine and health after 50 years of existence, he re- representative in the Ottoman Council and served 12 years, until 1992. sciences at the University of established it in , serving as its parliament. Subsequent to this restructuring, Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada; at the president from 1999 to 2006, and In 1942 he would marry Ayser major advances took place within University of Brasilia, in the new capital thereafter as honorary president. Süleyman. Her family included a grand Turkish higher education. In 1980 only of Brazil in South America; and in Ife, He was author of a large number of vizier of the Empire and a field marshal 6.3 percent of the university-age Nigeria, and Yaoundé, Cameroon, in scientific articles, chapters and books, in the Ottoman Army. Her father, population in Turkey was enrolled in Africa. He traveled to each of those mostly dealing with medicine and the Hikmet Süleyman, served as prime institutions of higher learning. At that locations and offered guidance health sciences. Five books have been minister of Iraq in the 1930s. Ayser and time the rate in Western Europe was 32 regarding the setup and development of written about his life and Ýhsan Doðramacý would have three percent, in Greece and Bulgaria 22 educational health centers that accomplishments and published in children, Þermin, Ali and Osman. percent, and in neighboring Syria 14 included medical schools and facilities various countries, in seven languages. This family heritage always remained percent. In the following 25 years the for training other health personnel. Although Professor Doðramacý was central to Ýhsan Doðramacý's life. ratio in Turkey He headed the offered the post of minister of foreign However, his career took him far from increased to 38.2 Turkish delegation affairs and also proposed as prime Erbil and from the traditional pursuits percent. In terms to the World minister of Turkey, he declined on of a wealthy landholder. of research as Health Assembly both occasions in order to concentrate After completing Turkish primary reflected in the (WHO's decision- on his work in health and education. school in Erbil, he graduated from the number of making body) for Professor Doðramacý received Preparatory School of the American publications in six years and numerous awards, medals and University of Beirut and the Faculty of scientific journals, served as chair of decorations. He held honorary Medicine of Ýstanbul University. He Turkey's ranking the European doctorates from 26 universities in 14 trained in pediatrics in Ankara, Turkey, rose from 45th to Region countries countries, including the United under Professor Albert Eckstein, and in 18th among the and as vice States, the United Kingdom, France, the United States at Harvard world's nations chairman of the Finland, Italy, Japan and Egypt. He University and Washington University during the same Assembly in 1976. was a member of national academies in St. Louis. He and his family then time period. Over the years, in Germany, France, India, the United settled in Ankara in 1947. In 1982 an Professor States and Azerbaijan, and an The young pediatrician rapidly amendment to Doðramacý was a honorary member of 23 national advanced in the University of Ankara Turkey’s member of the pediatric societies across the globe. Faculty of Medicine, becoming Constitution WHO Executive The heads of state of Turkey, professor of pediatrics in 1955. Even in allowed for the Board and also Azerbaijan, Iran, the Dominican those early years he was already creation of Future education reformer served on the Republic, Finland, Poland, Estonia envisioning the creation in Turkey of nonprofit Ýhsan Doðramacý in his organization's and France honored him with the nonprofit private institutions of higher institutions of final year at Erbil Global Advisory highest decorations of their respective learning resembling those he had seen higher education Elementary School Committee on nations. The parliament of Egypt and and worked at in the United States. by foundations. In Medical Research, the Grand National Assembly of In 1955, in an impoverished area of 1984 Professor Expert Advisory Turkey, as well as other governmental Ankara, he established the Institute of Doðramacý established the first of Panel on Health Manpower, agencies, also gave him their highest Child Health attached to the these, Bilkent University, and became Consultative Group on Maternal and awards and medals. In 1998 the University of Ankara, and by 1961 the president of its Board of Trustees, a Young Child Nutrition, and Programme Council of Europe, at a ceremony in Institute included Turkey's first position he continued to hold Advisory Committee in Maternal and Vienna, conferred on him its Prize for university-level schools of nursing, throughout his lifetime. Eight years Child Health. WHO recognized his Peace, Justice and Tolerance. nutrition and dietetics, physical later the second and third foundation contributions by awarding him the Encompassing nearly a century, therapy and rehabilitation, and medical universities opened. Today, of the 139 Léon Bernard Foundation Prize in 1981 Ýhsan Doðramacý's life was technology. He then proceeded to universities in Turkey, 94 were and the Health-for-All Gold Medal in characterized by a deep and enduring establish the Hacettepe Faculty of established by the state and 45 by 1997. interest in the needs of young people, Medicine and Health Sciences, which foundations. Professor Doðramacý was also active whether children in the pediatric was a second faculty of medicine Professor Doðramacý would in UNICEF, serving on its Executive wards of hospitals or students in within the University of Ankara, and a eventually establish a total of five Board for several decades. He was universities. His goals in these areas school of dentistry. philanthropic foundations in Turkey, elected chairman of the organization's were both national and global. His Professor Doðramacý became rector which in turn gave rise to hospitals and Programme Committee for three commitment to improve health care of the University of Ankara in 1963 for a educational institutions, including terms and chairman of the Executive and education in his homeland, two-year term, followed by two years as Bilkent. Another of his foundations, the Board for two. In 1995 UNICEF Turkey, was always paralleled by a president of the Board of Trustees of Ýhsan Doðramacý Family Health honored him with the Maurice Pate broader vision which rested on a Middle East Technical University in Foundation, was created for the benefit Award. In Turkey, he served as pragmatic and humanistic Ankara. In 1967 the Hacettepe Faculty of the World Health Organization. It president of the National Committee understanding of transnational of Medicine and the other schools has been awarding a prize regularly for UNICEF from 1958 to 2003, and interdependence. Although the under the Institute of Child Health since 1983 to individuals who have after that as honorary president. circumstances into which he was born were chartered as a new university, given distinguished service in the field In his own specialty, child health, and the times in which he lived played Hacettepe University, today one of the of family health. Professor Doðramacý was chosen as a part in the enormous success he leading institutions of higher education Ýhsan Doðramacý was active in the president of the International achieved, his impact upon Turkey and in Turkey. Professor Doðramacý served fields of medicine and education not Pediatric Association in 1968. He throughout the world derived as its rector until 1975. When his term only in Turkey, but internationally as would lead the IPA for a quarter of a ultimately from his focus on a set of finished, he accepted an appointment well throughout his long lifetime. A century, in turn as president and ideas and ideals and a personal as visiting professor of pediatrics at the true citizen of the world, he was fluent executive director. From 1992 on, he strength of will that drove him ever University of Paris Descartes. in , English, French and German held the position of honorary forward to achieve what he saw as In 1980 the Turkish government in addition to his native Turkish. president. necessary and beneficial.

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Ýhsan Doðramacý was born in 1915 into a wealthy land-owning Ottoman family in the town of Erbil in northern Iraq. His father was mayor of Erbil, and later a member of the Senate in Iraq, representing the Erbil Turkmens. His mother was the daughter of an Ottoman Parliament member for Kirkuk. Together, the two families were related to a large number of families who had resided in the area for hundreds of years.

Ýhsan’s maternal grandfather Ýhsan’s father Ýhsan’s mother Ýsmet Haným The citadel of Seljuk ruler Muzaffereddin Gökbörü’s capital Erbil in northern Mehmet Ali Kýrdar, member of Ali Paþa Doðramacý, while mayor Mesopotamia - Ýhsan Doðramacý was born in a house within the citadel the Ottoman Parliament for Kirkuk of Erbil

While Ýhsan was studying in Beirut, his father had become a senator, and the family had moved to Baghdad. When Ýhsan rejoined them, he entered the Baghdad College of Medicine, a school largely run by British teachers upon the basis of the Edinburgh University curriculum. He studied there for three Professor years, but was never able to feel at home Ýhsan in Baghdad. He had always wished to go Doðramacý to Turkey, and so in 1936 he left for (1954) Ýstanbul, where he was accepted into the Ýhsan while a student at the University of Ýstanbul, School of Medicine Preparatory School of the and proceeded to apply himself single- American University of mindedly to his studies. His colleagues Beirut (1930) already regarded him as different from themselves. Their aim was to work toward getting a degree and a job, and they were content within those limits. But even at that early stage, Ýhsan Doðramacý was looking much farther ahead.

As a student at the School of Medicine, (1936) Associate Professor Ýhsan Doðramacý (1949)

During his residency in pediatrics at Ankara Numune Hospital (1939) - his mentor Prof. Eckstein is second from the left, with the young Dr. Doðramacý beside him

During his pediatric During his senior training at year at the School of Harvard Medicine, Istanbul University University (1938)

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Ýhsan Doðramacý signing the World Health Organization Constitution New York, July 1946

Ýhsan and Ayser Doðramacý with their two oldest children Ali and Þermin

With the founding executive director of UNICEF Maurice Pate, and his wife Ýhsan and Ayser’s wedding day, April 16, 1942

Ýhsan Ýhsan and Ayser Doðramacý Doðramacý, with their three children Ali, Chairman of Þermin and Osman the World Health Assembly

With James Grant, executive director of UNICEF (1987)

With Robert Debré, founding director of the International Children's Center (ICC)

Ýhsan Prof. Doðramacý, Doðramacý rector of presiding at Hacettepe the World University Health Assembly

Prof. Doðramacý chairing a session of the World Health Assembly (1966)

Representing as its rector, at the meeting of European rectors at Göttingen, Germany (1964)

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In the 1940s, when Ýhsan Doðramacý was Hacettepe Children's Hospital (1958) studying in the United States at Harvard University and Washington University, he became acquainted with private, non- government organizations and universities. Convinced that the private, not-for-profit model had great potential for application in his own country as well, he in 1951 drafted a proposal for a children's medical center in Ankara, where he had settled and set up his medical practice following his return from the US. Prof. Doðramacý then established a foundation to support the proposed medical center. In subsequent years he would go on to establish additional foundations to Building where the Child Health support new ventures and new initiatives in View of Hacettepe (1961) Clinic and Institute started (1954) medicine and education. Meanwhile, he founded Hacettepe Hacettepe Children's Hospital (1961) Medical Center, Hacettepe Hospital and Hacettepe Medical School. Following that came the creation of Hacettepe University in 1967. Prof. Doðramacý later played a principal role in establishing other universities, including those in Sivas and Kayseri, as well as the medical faculty in . All this time, the concept of “centers of excellence” served as a guiding idea for his plans. Having founded centers of excellence in medicine, Ýhsan Doðramacý now began to Hacettepe Children's Hospital emergency entrance (1961) explore the possibility of establishing a Land where Bilkent University was to be established (1981) private, nonprofit university. His goal was the creation of a great university like those in the United States; Harvard, Columbia, Yale and others of similar stature. He wanted this new university to be the best in Turkey, and beyond that, he wanted it to be one of the fifteen best universities in the world. He envisioned it as a beacon that would attract students and faculty members from all over the world. He realized this dream with the founding of Bilkent University in 1984. Based on the script of the film “Bilkent, History of an Idea”

View of Hacettepe (2006) Bilkent University under construction in the 1980s

View of Bilkent University Ýhsan Doðramacý with Prime Minister Turgut Özal and Rector Mithat Çoruh during Bilkent University’s opening ceremony (1986)

Ýhsan Doðramacý with President Kenan Evren during Bilkent University’s opening ceremony (1986)

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Achievements Honorary Doctoral Degrees from Memberships in Established Hacettepe Universities Academies Institute of Child Health and Glasgow (Scotland), Nice (France), Nebraska (USA), Baghdad Académie Nationale de Children's Hospital (1958) (Iraq), Guayaquil (Ecuador), Santo Domingo Autonomous Médecine (France) Established first School of (Dominican Republic), Ain Shams (Egypt), Helsinki (Finland), Soka American Academy of Pediatrics Physiotherapy and (Japan), Baku State (Azerbaijan), Azerbaijan Medical (Azerbaijan), Azerbaijan National Academy of Rehabilitation in Turkey De Montfort (UK), Eastern Mediterranean (Turkish Republic of Science and Arts (1961) Northern Cyprus), Jamia Millia Islamia (India), Rome-La Sapienza Deutsche Akademie der Established first School of (Italy), Case Western Reserve (USA), and eleven Turkish universities Naturforscher Leopoldina Nursing at university level in including Anadolu, Boðaziçi, Ýstanbul and Marmara Universities (German National Academy of Sciences) Turkey (1961) National Academy of Medical Established first School of Sciences (India, Honorary) Dietetics and Nutrition in Awards and Prizes Royal Aal al-Bayt Academy Turkey (1962) (Jordan) Established the Hacettepe Faculty of Medicine and National Award for Distinguished Service (Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey), 1978 Health Sciences, Ankara, Léon Bernard Foundation Prize (WHO), 1981 Professional introducing an integrated Christopherson Award (American Academy of Pediatrics), 1986 Background and teaching system in medicine Maurice Pate Award (UNICEF), 1995 (1963) Soranos Award for Science and Friendship (Greece), 1995 Academic Positions Contributed to establishment “Peace, Justice and Tolerance” Prize (Council of Europe), 1998 (The Doctor of Medicine, Ýstanbul of Atatürk University Faculty other two laureates were Franz Cardinal König and Simon Wiesenthal.) Health and Education Award for Merit (Turkey), 1999 University (1938) of Medicine in Erzurum, Postgraduate training and (1963) Ministry of Foreign Affairs Distinguished Service Award (Turkey), 2000 Dr. Jushichiro Naito International Childcare Award (Japan), 2004 fellowships in pediatrics: Established Hacettepe Turkish Grand National Assembly Honor Prize, 2007 Ankara Numune Hospital (1940); University in Ankara (1967) Lifetime Achievement Award of Excellence in Global Health (World Graduate School of Medicine, Contributed to establishment Federation of Public Health Associations), 2009 Harvard University / Boston of Karadeniz University Award of the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences, 2009 Children’s Hospital; Trabzon Faculty of Medicine (1945-1946), Research fellow in Trabzon (1973) in Pediatrics, Washington In his capacity as president of University, St. Louis the Council of Higher Decorations (1946-1947) Education of Turkey, Lecturer and Associate State Medal for Outstanding Merit (Turkey) contributed to establishment Professor of Pediatrics, Ankara Order of Haydar Aliyev (Azerbaijan) University Faculty of Medicine of in First Rank Order of Independence (Azerbaijan) (1947-1955) Kayseri, Ondokuzmayýs Order of Homayoun First Class (Iran) Professor of Pediatrics and University in Samsun, Medal of the Egyptian People's Assembly Director, Institute of Child Cumhuriyet University in State Medal of Merit (Romania) Health, Ankara University Sivas, and Anadolu Gran Cruz Placa de Plata de la Orden Heráldica de Cristóbal Colón (1955-1967) and Hacettepe (Dominican Republic) University in Eskiþehir University, Ankara (1967-1981) (1981-1992) Gran Oficial, Orden del Mérito de Duarte, Sánchez y Mella (Dominican Republic) Rector of Ankara University Established Bilkent University First Rank Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland (1963-1965) in Ankara, Turkey, the first First Rank Commander of the Order of Merit of Poland Chairman of Board of foundation university in the Order of the Cross of St. Mary’s Land (Estonia) Trustees, Middle East country, with the intention of Officier de la Légion d'Honneur (France) Technical University, Ankara making it a center of WHO Health-For-All Gold Medal (1965-1967) excellence (1984) Sevda Cenap And Music Foundation Honor Award Gold Medal Rector of Hacettepe University, Medal of Appreciation, Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Ankara (1967-1975; in 1975 Scientific Research elected Honorary Rector) Médaille de la Ville de Paris Visiting Professor of Pediatrics, Paris Descartes University Articles (Paris V) (1976-1977) Philanthropic Foundations He Established President, National Council of Over 100 articles in professional Medical and Health Sciences periodicals, mainly on Ýhsan Doðramacý Foundation, Ankara Education (1974-1981) pediatrics, public health and Ýhsan Doðramacý Education Foundation, Ankara President, Council of Higher medical education Ýhsan Doðramacý Science and Research Foundation, Ankara Education of Turkey (1981-1992) Ýhsan Doðramacý Health Foundation, Ankara Chairman of the Board of Ýhsan Doðramacý Family Health Foundation, Geneva Trustees and President, Bilkent Books Ýhsan Doðramacý Erbil Foundation, Ankara - Erbil University (1986-2010) Annenin Kitabý (Book for Mothers). 1952. 15th ed. Membership in Professional Societies and Educational Institutions Ankara: Meteksan A.Þ., 2003. Prematüre Bebek Bakýmý All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (Honorary) (Premature Baby Care). Medical Society of WHO (Honorary) Ankara: Örnek Matbaasý, 1954. Royal College of Physicians, London (Fellow) Türkiye'de ve Dünyada Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London (Honorary Founder Fellow) Yükseköðretim Yönetimi Société Médicale des Hôpitaux de Paris (Membre Correspondant) (Governance in Higher Education Honorary membership in the pediatric societies of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Britain, Bulgaria, in Turkey and the World). Ankara: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Meteksan A.Þ., 2007. Mexico, Morocco, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Turkey, USA, and Uzbekistan.

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Receiving an honorary doctorate Receiving an at the University of honorary Rome-La Sapienza doctorate at the University of Nice in France

Being presented with the UNICEF Prof. Ýhsan Doðramacý was awarded numerous Maurice Pate decorations, medals and honorary doctorates during his Award, 1995 lifetime

Receiving an Each year, The Bureau of honorary the Turkish Grand National doctorate at Assembly has the Soka opportunity to award the University in Japan National Sovereignty Honor Prize to an individual who has, through his or her distinguished achievements and success, significantly Receiving the WHO Léon contributed to the Bernard promotion and Foundation representation of Turkey on Prize the international stage.

In 2007, the Bureau voted unanimously to honor Prof. Doðramacý with the prize, Receiving an citing his outstanding honorary doctorate at service to Turkish Jamia Millia education, including the Islamia founding of Bilkent and (National Islamic Hacettepe Universities, as University) in well as his academic India contributions in the field of medicine. He received the award at a ceremony held on May 30 of that year.

He was celebrated as Mr. UNICEF Being presented with the Republic of Turkey Prof. Doðramacý beside a UN Prof. Doðramacý with pediatric patients in for many decades State Medal for Outstanding Merit by vehicle during the conflict in Bosnia Sarajevo (1992) President Süleyman Demirel (1995) (1992)

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Not content with that, you went on 'magic carpet'. to found universities: first a public The Congresses he arranged in one in the 1960s and then Bilkent, the newly freed Turkish-speaking Turkey's first private university, in former Soviet Republics were a the 1980s, when you presided over a wonderful experience for us. On one reform of the country's whole higher flight there were not enough education system. 'business' seats, You have never allowed and he insisted on offering his bureaucratic obstruction to business-class seat to a colleague discourage you, and you have never and thus flew economy. let yourself be tempted by material Ayser is his rock. Quiet and rewards, or by offers of the highest unassuming, she is liable to be political posts. greatly underrated in her tranquil But you have been a better ever welcoming way. "Just to know ambassador for Turkey than any her is to love her" is another line diplomat. True to Atatürk's dictum, from Robert Burns, and epitomises 'Peace at Home, Peace in the World', the high regard we all feel for her. you have not confined your The final word on him I leave to philanthropy to your own country. poet Robert Burns (yes, again!). From 1960 onwards you Doðramacý has many ranks, Doctor, represented Turkey on the Executive Professor, President, Chairman, Board of UNICEF; and in 1992, with Hoca Bey and so on. Burns wrote: the late Jim Grant, you donned a flak "The rank is but the coin's stamp, jacket to tour Sarajevo's ruined the man's the gold, for all that!" hospitals and start a fund-raising Ýhsan is a golden man, a campaign for the children of Bosnia. twenty-four carat golden man. Even your love of music has been placed at the service of world Giuseppe Benagiano, Former friendship and peace. You gave this Secretary-General, International country its first international Federation of Gynaecology and symphony orchestra, and yours is Obstetrics the inspiration behind the Anatolian Music Festival. A REFORMER WITH AN IRON In short, Professor Doðramacý, WILL you are indeed a model citizen of Ýhsan Doðramacý is 'a reformer', the world, such as the United armed with the same iron will as Nations would wish to find in every Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder country. of modern Turkey and the greatest reformer that country has ever had. Gavin C. Arneil, Professor Whereas Atatürk had the daunting Emeritus, University of Glasgow, task of initiating the global reform Haydar Aliyev, Late President of field. They will grow and their Scotland that made him the architect of the Azerbaijan reputation in knowledge and culture transformation of the decaying will reach the sky. MEMORIES OF ÝHSAN into a modern PRIDE OF THE TURKISH DOÐRAMACI vigorous Republic, Doðramacý had WORLD From Haydar Aliyev's statement at A very determined man, he makes the equally daunting task of I had been told that Ýhsan the unveiling of the Ýhsan Doðramacý firm and usually immutable continuing and completing the Doðramacý spoke many languages statue commissioned by him for decisions on which he acts promptly reform initiated by the Father of all including Azerbaijani Turkish. Bilkent University, June 2002. and forcefully. Just as you cannot Turks, in the field of higher Different dialects exist in different make an omelette without breaking education and, more specifically, regions of Azerbaijan such as Baku, Kofi Annan, Former Secretary- eggs, so some of his colleagues have medical education. Nakhichevan, Gence and Karabað. I General of the United Nations been upset by some decisions. An old realised that Ýhsan Doðramacý knew saying is that if you ride with a tiger, Arne Olav Brundtland, Inaugural all these dialects. I liked him very A CITIZEN OF THE WORLD the ride will be rough at times and Laureate of the Ýhsan Doðramacý much and invited him to Baku. The we all knew that - but loved him just Prize for International Relations Azerbaijani people also like him very Professor Doðramacý, you have the same! for Peace much and in a very short time we devoted your entire life, and your On the other hand, he is kindness realised that Ýhsan Doðramacý was a whole family fortune, to the noble itself when a colleague is in need. TO HAVE THE RIGHT IDEA AT rare personality brought forth by the causes of child health and higher Every time my wife June and I THE RIGHT MOMENT Turkish world. His only goal has education. arrived at Istanbul airport we had VIP Ýhsan Doðramacý is a man of been to make every sacrifice for the You started with a two-room treatment in transit and flew on in ideas - and a man of action. Turkey progress and education of his people. outpatient clinic in a slum area of luxury. We called it his magic carpet! needs such people, and not only Ýhsan Doðramacý has always been Ankara in 1954. It became the Ankara On one occasion when I was in Turkey. One of the great challenges greatly admired in all international University Institute of Child Health Istanbul and due to fly home the of the world is how to communicate organizations he has worked for and and the leading Children's Hospital following morning, a member of the meaningfully between civilizations. has been elected as President by a in the country, and today bears your IPA Executive who was due to fly to Dr Doðramacý is in the forefront number of them. He has always held name. Ankara two days later took ill. Ýhsan there as well. Reason, reflection, a very special place both in the It also became the nucleus of a was abroad, in Cairo I think. As I reasonableness, resolution: it is all in international media and international new Faculty of Medicine and Health could not stay, I contacted his office short supply. conferences. On behalf of Turks, we Sciences, which in 1966 was in Ankara and asked them to arrange Many persons have good reason to are proud of him. described by the Vice-Chancellor of for someone to look after him in be thankful for the fact that Dr Ýhsan Those who have been educated in London University as a model of the Istanbul. Next morning when I went Doðramacý has used his position and the universities established by educational system that England was down for breakfast, there was Ýhsan his means to really make a Doðramacý are like seeds planted in a trying to achieve! to fly the invalid to Ankara on his difference.

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Mamdouh Gabr, Emeritus There have always been many life and his family wealth to future important service for Turkey's Professor of Paediatrics, Cairo experts inside WHO telling you ex generations, and to the development development. Perhaps today Turkey's University, Egypt cathedra why nothing could be done. of opportunities for the training and astonishing growth and improvement And yet, there have been others who higher education of youth. are due to Bilkent, which led the way REFLECTIONS ON THE UNIQUE have had the courage - like you, Ýhsan - as the first nonprofit private PERSONALITY OF ÝHSAN because I think that you have shown in Süleyman Demirel, university. DOÐRAMACI your life all the time, not why nothing 9th President of the Turkish Professor Doðramacý enjoys a should be done but why something Republic Prof. Dr. Ýlker Baybars, charismatic personality that is appealing should and must be done. Carnegie Mellon University to everyone. His wisdom and his ability My friends and I decided that this to convince others are among the Sir Horace Phillips, Late Former young professor, a world-renowned To be realistic, I couldn't have reasons why he was able to build British Ambassador to Ankara physician who was knowledgeable imagined that this university would friendships all over the world. He is about everything, spoke many come to this level in 20 years. But always very keen to treat every issue in A REMARKABLE TURK languages, and knew the world, Hoca surely did. And he was an impartial, clear and constructive way. His Humanity should be our prime minister. I sent experienced; he had already Professor Doðramacý is a great donor, The many obstacles and setbacks in two of my physician friends to him to founded Hacettepe University. So it willing to offer his time, knowledge and his progress have tempered but not propose this. The next day is about vision, about determination wealth for the benefit of mankind. He embittered him, and he has remained Doðramacý disappeared from Ankara. and about values. Hoca is a person donated his personal wealth to humane. Until Hacettepe Hospital was He couldn't accept such an offer and who is well-off financially but who establish two universities: Hacettepe opened he saw patients in his he didn't, because his only wish was knows that money isn't enough for and Bilkent. Through his remarkable consulting rooms - not for money, but for the citizens of his country to success. capabilities and perseverance, Bilkent to stretch a hand out to help people. enjoy better medical care and for the University became an internationally His generosity and sensitivity were country's youth to receive a better Ýdil Biret, recognized institution ranking among widely known, as testified to by education. At that young age he State Artist the top universities worldwide. It colleagues, who benefited from this, turned down a nomination as prime offers hundreds of scholarships to mostly on the occasion of the illness of minister, an offer that no one could Speaking a language so well, with talented students in all fields. their own children. He not only treated refuse. I always have seen him as a such a beautiful accent, is an them free of charge but would if national monument. He is a living indication of a very good ear. If he Talât S. Halman, Dean, Faculty of necessary pay the cost of their monument. had played an instrument, I am sure Humanities and Letters, Bilkent treatment abroad if this was required. he would have been a wonderful University Vecdi Gönül, virtuoso. Tomris Türmen, Former Special Minister of National Defense THE PAEDIATRIC REPUBLIC Advisor to the Director-General, Ayten Gökçer, Professor Ýhsan Doðramacý ranks as a World Health Organisation Hocabey is a man of firsts. State Artist pioneer and a lifelong hero of our Hocabey's most outstanding contemporary enlightenment about the AN ARCHITECT OF MIRACLES trait is that he helps everyone. Hoca always initiates things. Big good life for children leading to enduring It is a challenging task to attempt to When helping people, political reforms begin with Hoca. Other peace and happiness throughout the describe Ýhsan Doðramacý, an affiliations, social class, position and clever universities take his ideas and world. To that end, he has created a extraordinary individual who possesses status are unimportant to him. apply them. But the initiator is 'Paediatric Republic'. Eventually, if his a rare quality being both a dreamer and always Hoca. Doðramacý is a person great example is followed and his good a doer. Rahmi Koç, Honorary who whatever he does, does it best works are continued, the world might I am one of those individuals who Chairman, Koç Holding in Turkey. He has done the best for become a 'Children's Republic.' have had the privilege of working with music. Today the Bilkent concert him closely to witness his leadership First of all, people trusted Ýhsan hall is one of the three leading Donald J. Johnston, qualities in national and international Bey. They knew that he was an concert halls in the world as far as Former Secretary-General, scientific arenas, in the health and also honest, frank person. They knew acoustics are concerned. He brought OECD the education sectors. that he was serving the country. the most skilled people here to His charisma attracts, his convincing They would see him struggling to achieve this. BIGGER THAN LIFE power unites all groups and he make things happen. A remarkable Turk indeed! This is welcomes everybody to take part in a Gülsin Onay, almost the title of a biography of Ýhsan challenge, all with the objective of Ýsmet Sezgin, State Artist Doðramacý. One could just as easily improving the health and well-being of Parliamentarian have described him as 'a remarkable children, families and the society he After Atatürk, Ýhsan Doðramacý is person', 'a remarkable human being' or lives in. As the work expands, flourishes Above and beyond the service he possibly the individual who even perhaps, 'Ýhsan Doðramacý: one and the dream becomes a reality with a has provided in science, education, and has contributed the most to music of a kind'. life of its own, Professor Doðramacý higher education, Hoca is a faithful in our country. disappears! He is already involved in friend. Thankfully we have such a Halfdan Mahler, Director- another big initiative leading to even I don't think there will be another presence in Turkey, and what General Emeritus, World Health bigger teams, realising another big idea. "Hocabey." There is an old expression, he has done has enriched us Organization I know of no one, except Mrs Ayser "He is from an extinct people." He is and given us a very different world. Doðramacý, who can match his even beyond that, because there has HUMAN ENERGY galloping speed with such elegance. been no such people. Such individuals Jane Schaller, Executive The World Health Organisation is are very rare. These are people that Director, International Pediatric in the business of human energy. And Compiled from the book Children in history and necessity have brought us; Association human energy has many, many aspects His Heart, Youth on His Mind: Tributes they are created for service, they come to it. I would just like to exemplify a to Ýhsan Doðramacý in Honour of His to serve. A service that causes them to I am so impressed to see what a few of these aspects through a friend, Sixty-Five Years of Service to Child give away all their wealth and single man has done to change the a colleague, a guru - that is Ýhsan. Health and Education (2003) resources for the causes they believe world around him. I think a part of energy is certainly in. One can only honor them. the energy of knowledge, and Ýhsan ------Yüksel Söylemez, has proven that he is not a proponent Prof. Dr. Halil Ýnalcýk, Retired Ambassador of what a poet friend of mine once Abdullah Gül, Bilkent University said: President of the Turkish Republic In many countries, across five "Experts have their expert fun I believe that by opening the way continents, when Turkey is Telling one ex cathedra Professor Doðramacý is a unique for such universities Ýhsan mentioned, it means Ýhsan Why nothing can be done." person who has devoted his entire Doðramacý has performed a very Doðramacý.

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Adapted from Bütün Dünya 2000, April 2006 (Original in Turkish)

I was born in a house situated in the son of Salih Salim, a former Mayor able to establish an Institute of Child Indeed, Hacettepe University initiated Erbil Castle and studied at the primary (Þehremini) of Ýstanbul. I learned from Health attached directly to the rectorate a new system different from that in other school there where the language of Vahit that the best medical education of Ankara University. universities. During those years, boycotts instruction was Turkish, the language of was given in Vienna, and in Edinburgh In the years 1961-1962 the Institute and anarchy raged in the universities. the town. In that period, I was also taking in Scotland. I took German lessons from established departments of nursing, Hacettepe was an exception to this. As private English lessons. When the a teacher who was a Brazilian citizen of medical technology, physiotherapy and soon as the Hacettepe Special Act was in Province of Mosul became a British German origin. I also applied to rehabilitation, and dietetics and nutrition force, the principle of inclusion of mandate by the Lausanne Treaty, Edinburgh University. I was informed offering the bachelor's degree in each students and junior instructors in the education in Turkish was banned. For that the quota allocated for foreign area. The young staff I had sent to administration was accepted. this reason, my family sent me to Beirut students was full, and new registrations America six years earlier for advanced After working as the rector of International College1 for my middle and for foreigners would only be opened training in medical specialties returned Hacettepe University for eight years, I high school education. I used to express three years later. They told me that the to Turkey and joined the Hacettepe decided to go back to my profession, my longing for my home by reciting the university had an affiliate medical school Children's Hospital established by the pediatrics. Thus, I accepted a visiting verses known as "Longing for Erbil."2 in Baghdad, and that I could be accepted Institute of Child Health. In 1963 a professorship at Paris V University. into the Edinburgh School of Medicine second medical school was established Meanwhile, I was carrying out my Longing for Erbil three years later. within Ankara University, which was duties as executive director of the One had to be eighteen years old to called the Hacettepe Faculty of Medicine International Pediatric Association. In apply to the Baghdad School of and Health Sciences, and which used an Go, friends, go to my birthplace: 1981 I gladly accepted an invitation to Medicine. However, I was seventeen. I entirely different system of education. Hyacinths grow at Erbil Fortress, return to Turkey to oversee the reform of 3 spent that one year at the Beirut The original system of education Right through Kunyan, a stream higher education. For six months I again American University School of Liberal implemented in this faculty aroused flows, investigated the regulations governing Along whose banks stand yellow roses. Arts. There, I studied the English and great interest at the international level. Arabic languages, and took literature Many countries, with England and advanced universities in various countries. The act I prepared was I spent my early days at Erbil schools courses. The following year, in 1933, I Holland at the forefront, wanted to study registered at the Baghdad School of the system on site and use it as a model accepted by the government, and I was Where my national feelings bloomed; appointed the President of the Higher Recalling those times I sigh and moan Medicine. Three years later, I decided to for proposed developments in their own pursue my education at the Ýstanbul countries. The following news item Education Council. There were people now, against the Higher Education Council In my heart, a nightingale from there Faculty of Medicine instead of in appeared in the Dutch newspapers Act, which went into force in 1981. Time sings.4 Edinburgh. Algemeen Dagblad and De Telegraaf: In Ýstanbul, I was referred to Prof. “Jan Tinbergen went to Turkey as a showed that their doubts and misgivings The lone survivors are the tombstones Nurettin Berkol, Dean of the Faculty of consultant on economics. Now, we are were groundless. The tears of desperate grannies Medicine. When Prof. Berkol said that consulting Ýhsan Doðramacý on education, Upon my proposal, two articles related And frowning faces of hopeless they did not recognize the Baghdad and especially on medical education.” to higher education were added to the grandpas... School of Medicine, I suggested that I In 1966, the British Royal 1982 Constitution, making possible the At that scorched place linger cold ashes. start from the first year. Prof. Berkol said Commission chaired by Sir Brian establishment of nonprofit private it would be a loss, but they could Windeyer, Vice Chancellor of London universities by foundations. In 1984, Never lose hope, no need to grieve; examine me and decide what level I University, visited Hacettepe Faculty of Bilkent University was established by the If Erbil, now suppressed, would awake would fit into, and proceed accordingly. A Medicine and Health Sciences to observe three foundations that I had set up. And schools open to teach in their committee, with Prof. Akil Muhtar the new system. Following is a quotation Bilkent University thus became the first mother tongue Özden as the head, and on which from an article published in the January nonprofit private university in Turkey One heart will be there for support. German professors also sat, examined 25, 1967 issue of Participant Journal: and enrolled its first students in 1986. me in all aspects of medicine. I was “The members of the Royal Medical Many scientists and statesmen who have Ýhsan declares that this is boundless asked to evaluate tissue sections under Education Commission have received an followed the development of both care the microscope. I identified normal and excellent impression from what they Hacettepe University and Bilkent Nor will this love's sorrow come to an cancerous cells. They asked me to wait. have seen during their visit to the University have conveyed their admiration. end;4 After a short while, the head of the Hacettepe Medical Center. It has been From 1992 onward, new private He is bewildered when he looks in the committee, Prof. Özden, called me into confirmed that there has been a great universities started being set up: mirror: his office and informed me of their and successful change in medicine, Baþkent University in Ankara, and Koç, Confronting him is a sad, mournful decision: "Son, you have completed medical education, and hospital Sabancý, and other universities in face. medical school. We will enroll you in the management in Turkey. Sir Brian Ýstanbul and other Turkish cities. The fifth class, which is the last year. Then Windeyer, Vice Chancellor of London new system of higher education resulted With the assistance of private lessons, you will work as an intern for a year." At University, has told our reporters: in a boost in the numbers enrolled and I succeeded in completing my the end of the fifth year's studies, I got “‘The education system we are trying in the quality of higher education. Thus, secondary education in a shorter time the highest marks in all courses, and so to implement in England is being used whereas in 1980 only 6.3% of the 4 than was usual. My wish was to become started my internship at the head of the at Hacettepe Medical Center.’" million young people of tertiary a medical doctor. In those years, I class. Thus, I completed medical school On the other hand, there were also education age in Turkey were attending a became friends with Vahit, who was the in one year less than was normal. those who could not stomach the university or other school of higher In 1938, I started my specialization in success of the Hacettepe Medicine and education, in 2006, 33% of the 6 million pediatrics as assistant to Prof. Albert Health Sciences Faculty. Ahmet Emin young people in Turkey are able to Eckstein at the Ankara Numune Hospital. Yalman showed his reaction to the attend a university. The total number of In the year 1940, when I was twenty- attacks made on this institution in his universities, 24 of which are private five, I began serving as a pediatrician at 5 book Gördüklerim ve Geçirdiklerim, universities has reached 77 . In the same the Child Welfare Society Hospital in writing that he was "face to face with the period, the country's international scientific Baghdad. This lasted four years. In the th th6 barbarians who made it their business to research ranking rose from 44 to 19 . following years, I continued my studies destroy that amazingly strong Hacettepe 1 and research in the specialized fields of Then known as the Preparatory School of the Organization." American University of Beirut advanced pediatrics at Harvard and 2 Washington Universities in the USA. In Three months after the establishment Translated from the original "Erbil Hasreti" of the Hacettepe Faculty of Medicine, by Prof. Talât S. Halman late 1947, I was elected a member of the 3 Ankara University elected me as Kunyan was a large Doðramacý family farm American Academy of Pediatrics. with vineyards, gardens, streams, and water- Declining the offer of a university university rector. At the end of my two powered mills. teaching position in the USA, I settled in years as rector of Ankara University, I 4 Adapted from the poem titled "Fly, Birds" by Turkey with my wife and two children. thought the time had come to establish a Rýza Tevfik ("The Philosopher"), who lived in The Ankara University Faculty of new and dynamic university around the Beirut and was among the lecturers at Ýhsan Hacettepe Faculty of Medicine and Doðramacý's school at that time. Medicine had been opened a year 5 As of February 2010 YÖK lists 45 foundation previously. Prof. Eckstein wanted me to Health Sciences, dynamism being a and 94 state universities, for a total of 139. work with him there as a teaching staff quality lacking in the Ankara University 6 Philadelphia, USA, Institute for Scientific member. In the following years, I was system. Information

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Take an eraser in your hand and, starting with Hacettepe University, erase the Faculty of Medicine and all of the following: the Faculty of Dentistry, the Faculty of Pharmacology, and the School of Nursing. Then continue on to the other faculties located in the center of Ankara and on the Beytepe campus. Erase them all. Afterwards, erase the universities that were established in the 1970s from east to west across Turkey -universities that began with little more than a desk and a chair, but where today brilliant young people are being educated in sparkling buildings. Then, without leaving a trace, erase Bilkent University - a world-class university that was established only after long years of a legal battle to have the Constitutional Court officially acknowledge its existence. And do not hesitate to erase the other foundation universities, including Sabancý, Koç, Baþkent, Yeditepe, Fatih, Bilim, and Bilgi, and scores of others. Be sure to erase the thousands of students and parents, and the academic and administrative staff associated with all these universities - not to mention the fully equipped hospitals at some. Finally, do not forget to erase the Turkish-medium schools in northern Iraq. Then, consider the hundreds of thousands of Turkish children who have been able to receive health care from doctors equipped with the most up-to-date medical knowledge; who have been fortunate enough to enjoy the satisfaction of receiving an excellent education; and to whom we have entrusted the future of our country - consider, and say this about them: "She wasn't able to be treated or cured"; "He wasn't able to receive an education"; "He died before reaching the age of one." In other words, imagine that in the 1950s, a pediatrician named Ýhsan Doðramacý had never appeared. Imagine that he had not made all these reforms in health and education a reality by struggling with all his might - a struggle which, unfortunately, most members of the younger generations are not aware of. And then - return to today and take a look at the tiny children attached to monitors in hospitals, and gaze into the eyes of the anxious parents waiting by their beds. Then look at the bright young people who sit in the classrooms of schools and universities throughout Turkey, their eyes focused on a different type of monitor, and at the proud and hopeful parents, waiting at home for their arrival…and, with the eraser still in your hand, ask yourself, "Would it ever have been possible?" or, "What if it had never happened?" DDS, PhD Yalçýn Ergir

When he left Iraq in 1944, Ýhsan Doðramacý’s father made three requests: to kiss the ground when he set foot in Turkey, if he had a son, to name him Ali; and to build a

mosque in his name.

                 

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Commemoration ceremonies will be held to pay tribute to Prof. Doðramacý Yayýn Yönetmeni: Hande Seçkin Onat at the following locations and times: Yayýn Yönetmeni Yardýmcýsý: Nil Bero Yayýn Kurulu: Kürþat Aydoðan, Reyyan Ayfer, Saturday, February 27, at 9:30 a.m. Mehmet Baray, Ümit Berkman, Nil Bero, Hande at Hacettepe University M Lecture Hall, at 1:30 p.m. Seçkin Onat, Kamer Rodoplu the same day at the Bilkent University Concert Hall, Editör: Diane Grabowski and Sunday, February 28, at 9:30 a.m. Yazýþma Adresi: Bilkent Üniversitesi Ýletiþim Birimi 06800 Bilkent Ankara at the Council of Higher Education. Basýldýðý Yer: Meteksan A.Þ. Bilkent Üniversitesi Adýna Sahibi: Ali Doðramacý Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2010, at Kocatepe Mosque Bilkent News welcomes feedback from readers. Please submit your letters to [email protected]. following the noon prayers and burial will take place at the

Doðramacýzade Ali Paþa Mosque.

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