Columbia Inaugurates Sakıp Sabancı Center for Turkish Studies

On May 4 2018, Columbia's scholars, students, alumni, and members of the public celebrated the inauguration of the University's Sakıp Sabancı Center for Turkish Studies.

The center is named for the late Sakıp Sabancı (1933-2004), a philanthropist and businessman who after taking the helm of his family business in 1967, transformed it into one of the largest conglomerates in the region. Güler Sabancı, chairperson of Sabancı Holding, and Sevil Sabancı, board member of Sabancı University, were also in attendance to celebrate the Center.

The event opened with remarks from Güler Sabancı and Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger. A panel discussion on human rights and hybrid regimes continued the event, featuring speakers Şebnem Gümüşçü, Fuat Keyman, Lenore Martin, and David Waldner. The panel was moderated by John Huber and Ayşe Kadıoğlu.

Noting that the Sakıp Sabancı Center will be the first endowed and named Center for Turkish Studies at a university in the United States, David B. Madigan, Executive Vice President for Arts and Sciences, said, “The Sakıp Sabancı Center here on our campus is an invaluable asset for deepening and strengthening Columbia’s links with Turkey.” 

Read more about the event on the Columbia Office of Communications and Public Affairs website

More photos of the event on the Sakıp Sabancı Center for Turkish Studies Flickr

Watch a video recording of the event