Prof. Dr. Metin Sözen, the president of ÇEKÜL Foundation, a prominent academic and architect known for his contributions to preserving Turkey’s historical and cultural heritage, has passed away at the age of 89. A founding member of the Union of Historical Towns and a recipient of the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s Distinguished Service Award and the Culture and Arts Award, Sözen was a leading figure in Turkey’s cultural preservation efforts.

The news of Prof. Dr. Metin Sözen’s passing was shared by ÇEKÜL Foundation (Foundation for the Protection and Promotion of the Environment and Cultural Heritage) on its social media account:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our foundation’s founding president, our mentor, guide, and source of inspiration, Prof. Dr. Metin Sözen. He is irreplaceable. We can neither comprehend, know, nor love every inch of Anatolia as deeply as he did. We will continue to walk in his path, upholding the values he taught us, and preserving nature and culture. Our condolences to all..."

Prof. Dr. Metin Sözen, one of the founders of the Union of Historical Towns and the honorary chairman of its advisory board, has passed away. Throughout his life, which he dedicated to Turkey’s cultural heritage, Sözen carried out significant work to highlight the historical, cultural, and spatial values of cities. He was also the recipient of numerous awards, including the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s Distinguished Service Award and the Culture and Arts Award.

Following his passing, the Union of Historical Towns released a statement:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Prof. Dr. Metin Sözen, a founding member and honorary chairman of the advisory board of the Union of Historical Towns. We have lost a cherished figure who dedicated his life to Turkey’s cultural heritage and tirelessly worked to bring visibility to the historical, cultural, and spatial legacy of our cities. Throughout his life, his inspiring work earned him the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s Distinguished Service Award and the Culture and Arts Award. We pray for God’s mercy upon our esteemed mentor."

Metin Sözen was born on May 24, 1936, in Harput, Elazığ. He served as the president of ÇEKÜL (Foundation for the Protection and Promotion of the Environment and Cultural Heritage). He was a renowned architect, academic, and civil society leader, best known for his efforts to preserve Turkey’s cultural heritage, particularly historic structures.

The son of Mehmet Muhsin Sözen and Ülfet Sözen, Metin Sözen spent his early years in various cities due to his father’s civil service career. After completing primary school in Malatya and Konya, he continued his secondary education in Antalya, Adana, İzmit, and Kabataş.

He began his higher education at Istanbul University’s Faculty of Literature and was appointed as an assistant in the university’s History Department in 1960. From 1967 onward, he continued his academic career as an assistant in the History and Restoration Department at Istanbul Technical University’s (ITU) Faculty of Architecture. He became an associate professor in 1973 and a full professor in 1979.

In addition to his academic role at ITU, he led ÇEKÜL, a civil society organization established in 1990 to protect Turkey’s natural and cultural heritage. He also served as the head of the Scientific and Evaluation Board under the National Palaces Administration, which was formed to better preserve palaces, mansions, and their historical artifacts.

Distinguished Service Award – Granted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly

Philanthropy Award – Granted by the General Directorate of Foundations

Aga Khan Award for Architecture

Jury Special Award for Contributions to Architecture (2002) – Awarded by the Chamber of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) in recognition of his national and international efforts to safeguard cultural heritage

Conservation Honor Award (2006) – The first of its kind, granted by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism

Culture and Arts Award (2007) – Presented by then-President Abdullah Gül

A street in Kars was named after him.

Honorary Doctorate (2016) – Conferred by Istanbul Kültür University for his contributions to Turkish art, architecture, and heritage preservation

Anadolu Medreseleri, Selçuklu ve Beylikler Devri (Anatolian Madrasas, Seljuk and Beylik Periods) (1970)

Anadolu Kentleri (Anatolian Cities) (1971)

Diyarbakır'da Türk Mimarisi / Turkish Architecture in Diyarbakır (1971)

50 Yılın Türk Mimarisi (50 Years of Turkish Architecture) (1973)

Sinan, Architect of Ages

Bir İmparatorluğun Doğuşu: Topkapı (The Birth of an Empire: Topkapı)

Turas el-imare el-Türkiyye vel-Mimar Sinan / Turkish Architecture and Sinan (1976)

Türk Mimarlığının Tarihsel Gelişimi (Historical Development of Turkish Architecture) (1980)

Anadolu'da Akkoyunlu Mimarisi (Akkoyunlu Architecture in Anatolia) (1981)

Tarihsel Gelişimi içinde Türk Sanatı (Turkish Art in Historical Context) (1983)

Documentaries He Contributed To

Anadolu'da Konutun Öyküsü (The Story of Housing in Anatolia)

Sinan'ın Anıları (Memories of Sinan)

İstanbul'un Kültür Durakları (Cultural Stops of Istanbul)