On February 28, family, friends and members of the Bilkent community gathered at C-Block auditorium for a memorial for Prof. Julian Bennett, a long-time faculty member in the Department of Archaeology. Prof. Bennett, who had been part of the Faculty of Humanities and Letters since 1995, passed away on January 29, 2025. His passing was met with deep sorrow by colleagues, students and the wider academic community.
The ceremony brought together faculty members, students and friends to pay tribute to Prof. Bennett’s outstanding contributions to the field of archaeology. The event began with a poem by Mevlana and a violin performance, followed by heartfelt speeches from his colleagues and students. Speakers highlighted his dedication to teaching, his scholarly achievements and his passion for Roman and Byzantine archaeology.
Prof. Bennett was remembered not only as a brilliant archaeologist but also as a mentor who inspired generations of students. Several attendees shared personal anecdotes reflecting on his kindness, wisdom and enthusiasm for his work.
His warm and joyful presence in the corridors of Bilkent will be missed deeply.