Doğan Kuban (1926-2021)
As a graduate of psychology, I never had the chance of being a student of legendary professors. Like an orphan who never had an idealised parental imago, I have always sought academics in other fields whom I could look up to and Doğan Kuban has definitely been one of those figures to me.
Kuban was a professor of architecture and was specialised in architectural history. Having travelled extensively in Turkey, he studied the architectural heritage of Anatolia and wrote a total of 70 books but one of his greatest passions was İstanbul. He is the author of some of the most important books about İstanbul such as Ottoman′s Istanbul (2013), Istanbul: An Urban History (Istanbul, 2011) and Vanished Urban visions: Wooden Palaces of the Ottomans (Istanbul, 2001).
Doğan Kuban’s book titled İstanbul is a 1600 Years Old Museum
Kuban was extremely critical of Istanbulites’ carelessness when it comes to preserving the architectural heritage of their city which he though has vanished for ever. Kuban tied this to Turks’ nomadic roots which could not form ties with an established urban life style. But his legacy is a living reminder of old İstanbul which lives in our memories.
Legendary book of Doğan Kuban which dwells on the vanished wooden palaces of the Ottoman Empire
I had a chance of meeting him at a new years eve party in 2017 when he was 91 years old. He looked as vibrant and elegantly dressed as ever.
A memory with Doğan Kuban at the new year’s celebration party at Adahan, Pera
Doğan Kuban passed away in 2021 at the age of 95. Let’s remember the great master with his big smile and his legendary books that will always remind us the glory of this majestic city! And definitely try to get a hold of his books on İstanbul if you ever come across one.
