We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Founding Rector Emeritus Prof. Gülten Kazgan

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Founding Rector, Emeritus Prof. Gülten Kazgan, our esteemed professor and one of Türkiye’s leading economists.

With her academic expertise, approach to education, and vision, Emeritus Prof. Gülten Kazgan played a pivotal role in shaping BİLGİ’s founding philosophy and academic culture. From giving our University the name “İstanbul Bilgi University” to helping establish its academic structure, she made invaluable contributions throughout BİLGİ’s founding journey.

Having taught and mentored generations of students and academics and made significant contributions to the advancement of economics in Türkiye, Professor Kazgan also played a pioneering role in fostering a university ethos at BİLGİ centered on freedom of thought, learning for life, and responsibility toward society.

Thirty years after its founding, BİLGİ continues to carry the lasting imprint of Emeritus Prof. Gülten Kazgan in its academic tradition and values. We will always remember her with deep respect and gratitude for her contributions to our University, the generations she taught, and the invaluable legacy she leaves behind.

Our esteemed professor’s funeral ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Marmara University Faculty of Theology Mosque following the noon prayer. The burial will take place at Çamlıca Cemetery.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, students, loved ones, and the entire BİLGİ community.

You can visit the condolence page to offer your condolences and read the messages shared in memory of our esteemed Professor by those whose lives she touched.