Honorary Doctorate from ITU to Bedrettin Dalan

Istanbul Technical University (ITU) awarded 1965 Electrical Engineering graduate Bedrettin Dalan the title of “honorary doctor” at a ceremony held at Ayazağa Campus on 9 June 2023. The honorary doctorate certificate was presented to Bedrettin Dalan by our Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Koyuncu.

Istanbul Technical University (ITU) awarded the title of “honorary doctor” to its graduate Bedrettin Dalan in 2023, the 250^th anniversary of our its foundation and the 100^th anniversary of our Republic. The honorary doctorate ceremony was held at Ayazağa Campus Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center on 9 June 2023 and was attended by a large audience.

Bedrettin Dalan’s piooneering and qualified works

At the honorary doctorate ceremony that started with a Turkish music concert by ITU TMSC, Yeditepe University Folklore Club students performed a dance from the Aydın region. In his speech, our Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Koyuncu drew attention to Bedrettin Dalan’s valuable contributions to our country and humanity.

Prof. Dr. Koyuncu underlined the historical role of ITU graduates with the words, “ITU members have always strived to turn their experience and knowledge into added value for our country and humanity. The Technical University Family, with its graduates, academic and administrative staff, has always had this point of view and this is at the same time ITU’s mission that has never changed in 250 years.”

In accordance with the decision of ITU Senate, Bedrettin Dalan was awarded honorary doctorate “in recognition of his pioneering and qualified works in our country in the fields such as rail systems, traffic, maritime transport, prevention of environmental pollution, urbanization, and education”.

After the presentation of the honorary doctorate certificate by Prof. Dr. Koyuncu, Bedrettin Dalan gave thanks and expressed his happiness and pride due to the presentation of this title to him. Bedrettin Dalan expressed his feelings by saying, “I have received many prizes and honorary doctorates in many parts of the world until now. But none of those prizes moved me and made me happy as this honorary doctorate given to me by my own university.”

Who is Bedrettin Dalan?

Bedrettin Dalan, who graduated from Istanbul Technical University in 1965 as an electrical engineer, started his career at TCDD (Turkish State Railways). Then he moved to the private sector. In March 1984 elections, he was elected as the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. During his office of mayor from 1984 to 1989, he implemented many pioneering works such as urbanization and urban planning, rail systems, traffic, maritime transport, prevention of environmental pollution. During this period, Dalan served as deputy chairman of the United Cities and Local Governments, as president of the Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities and also World Association of Metropolises. He was listed on the United Nations Environment Program’s Global 500 Roll of Honor in 1987.

Bedrettin Dalan also worked as executive and member of board of directors in various organizations. He was a lecturer at Marmara University Faculty of Fine Arts. In 1985, he established İstek Foundation and became its president. The foundation opened many preschools, primary schools and high schools. Yeditepe University established by the foundation started education in 1996. He is currently the honarary president of İstek Foundation and Yeditepe University.