A memorial service was held for Prof. Metin Heper, retired faculty member in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, whom we lost on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
Prof. Heper, who joined Bilkent University in 1988, served as the chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration and the dean of the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences during various periods of his tenure at the university. Between 2010 and 2014, Prof. Heper served as the provost of Bilkent University.
Family, friends and members of the Bilkent community gathered at a memorial for Prof. Heper on Thursday, February 28, at C-Block Auditorium. Rector Kürşat Aydoğan and Prof. Refet Gürkaynak, dean of the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences as well as friends and colleagues shared memories and offered their condolences during the memorial.
All expressed their deep sorrow and paid tribute to Prof. Heper as an invaluable teacher and researcher. The sentiments touched on many aspects of Prof. Heper’s life and character, including his sincerity, dedication, discipline, kindness and wisdom as well as his love of sports.
Rector Aydoğan expressed his deep sorrow and quoted Prof. Ahmet Evin from Sabancı University in remembering Prof. Heper: “Metin has left an indelible mark on social science scholarship in Turkey and beyond. He was a meticulous researcher who patiently searched for reliable and authoritative sources to formulate his hypotheses and support his arguments. His scholarship gained depth through his sophisticated historical perspective which allowed to situate political developments in their particular historical and cultural context. His comparative approach would then enable him to consider significant cases from specific traditions within the broader scope of the discipline.”
Rector Aydoğan continued with these words: “Metin Heper is the author of numerous scientific articles and books. Today, these are on the shelves of the Bilkent University Library. The department he founded shines with its scientific studies while educating our youth. His works continue to shed light and enlighten us. Rest in peace.”
Prof. Heper will be greatly missed by everyone at Bilkent. We would like to express our profound condolences to his family, friends, students and to the Bilkent community.
