Nezih Eldem (1921-2005)
The renowned Turkish architect and the legendary professor at İstanbul University, Department of Architecture was my relative from my mother’s side. I have had the chance to befriend him in his later years when he was passionate about an urban planning project for Eyüp where he and my grandmother were born.
My grandmother Nehabat Hanım on the far left in front of my grandfather. Photo was taken in 1920s
The house Nezih Eldem was born in Eyüp on the Şifa Slope, the same house where my grandmother was born
I remember him as a real son of Turkish Republic with his dedication to his country, his profession, his students and İstanbul. I have heard time and again how he was admired by his students until his death as he was actively involved in teaching at İstanbul Technical University even after he retired.
When I met him, he must have been in his late 70s but he was as vibrant, sharp and humorous as a young man. We had met in Eyüp in a cultural center which was named after him following his death for an exhibition that displayed his vision for Eyüp where he was born as well as landmarks of his life and profession. Note that Eyüp is one of the oldest and holiest of all neighbourhoods in İstanbul.
I recall listening to the anecdotes from his life during the exhibition and I recall a particular detail so well. He had shown me a brooch that he had carved for his fiancé who was to be his future wife during his military service in one of the eastern provinces of Turkey. I came across the photo of this piece of art carved by Nezih Eldem in the archives of Salt Research.
Sketch of İstanbul Technical University by Nezih Eldem
Nezih Eldem’s sketches for the urban planning project of Eyüp is within the archives of the Eyüp Municipality and it is a delight that they are shared on line. You can have a glimpse at some of these sketches that shows his vision for Eyüp most of which has not been realised.
The above sketch shows his vision for the market place (arasta çarşı) and Arasta Mansion (Kasrı) that was not realised
The sketch of a modern space for animal sacrifice in Eyüp which was not realised
Unfortunately Nezih Eldem passed away in 2005 and I have learnt that Nezih Eldem Cultural Center which carried his name until recently had changed its name due to a decision of the Eyüp Municipality.
Nezih Eldem in front of the Eyüp Cultural Center shortly before he passed away. This Cultural Center was given Nezih Eldem’s name in 2009
İstanbul Technical University Conference Hall number 109 was designed by Nezih Eldem and is named after the great master in his loving memory
Nezih Eldem with his students
We owe this old İstanbul gentleman a gratitude for all his work and dedication that has inspired generations that followed him and all his contributions to the remaking of Eyüp, the holiest of all neighbourhoods in İstanbul.
Here is a short documentary about the great master when he was working on the urban planning of two other old İstanbul neighbourhoods: Süleymaniye and Zeyrek.
If you are interested in learning more about this amazing professor of architecture, glance through the archives of Salt Research.
