VKV Vehbi Koç Vakfı

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EDUCATION

For youth, the future of Turkey

HEALTHCARE

For a healthy society

CULTURE

Serving science, culture and arts

SCHOLARSHIPS

For equal education opportunities

CIVIL SOCIETY

Fostering social transformation

CALENDAR

Adorable & Precocious

Arter
until June 30, 2024

Elegance from Past to Future

Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion
until March 17, 2024

In Its Own Shadow

Arter
Until April 7, 2024

Istanbul as far as the eye can see

Meşher
Sept. 20, 2023-May 26, 2024

Sarkis: Endless

Arter
until February 4, 2024

Nuri Kuzucan: Passage

Arter
until December 31, 2023

News

Design & Skills and Dreams Workshops opened by TEGV with the support of Vehbi Koç Foundation

Education Volunteers Foundation of Turkey (TEGV) opened the “Design & Skills Workshop” and “Dreams Workshop” at the Semahat - Dr. Nüsret Arsel Education Park in Ankara with the support of Vehbi Koç Foundation at a ceremony on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.

The cleaning of Adaboğazı is entrusted with them

Bodrum American Hospital staff, determined to maintain clean shores and seas as a national priority, cleaned the Adaboğazı beach along the Bitez Cove on June 5 “World Environment Day”.

What the nurses learned from COVID-19

At the online event during the Nursing Week, which was held with the participation of Semahat Arsel, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Vehbi Koç Foundation, the focus was on the lessons learned in nursing from COVID-19.

VKV Annual Report: ‘Our mission will never end’

The ninth edition of the Vehbi Koç Foundation’s annual report, VKV, was published in Turkish and English. Presented with a preface by Semahat Arsel, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and Cihan Özsönmez, President, the report provides an overview of the year 2020, documenting the activities and projects of Vehbi Koç Foundation and its institutions active in the fields of education, healthcare, culture and civic society, with insightful interviews enriching the content.

Professor Hüseyin Vural is the Recipient of the 20th Vehbi Koç Award

The 20th Vehbi Koç Award, conferred annually in the fields of culture, education and healthcare, respectively, by the Vehbi Koç Foundation to recognize individuals and institutions that contribute to improving people’s quality of life was presented to the ILKYAR Foundation for its pioneering work in education and its founder, Professor Hüseyin Vural.

In Loving Memory of Suna Kıraç

Suna Kıraç, the former chairwoman of the Executive Board at Vehbi Koç Foundation, and a prominent businesswoman who held several leadership roles, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2020. She was raised with the contemporary values of our Republic, and made significant contributions to our country’s industrial, educational, cultural and artistic development with her remarkable achievements in both business and social life.

Turkey Social Entrepreneurship Network Conference convened online

“Turkey Social Entrepreneurship Network Conference: Building Bridges” took place on September 9-10 in digital format as part of Turkey Social Entrepreneurship Network project, an initiative led by Vehbi Koç Foundation and carried out in partnership with Koç University Social Impact Forum, Ashoka Foundation Turkey, Social Innovation Initiative Association, Association for Innovative Solutions in Sustainable Development ,TED University Istasyon TEDU, Mozaik Foundation, and Social Enterprise UK.

‘Nursing in the time of Covid-19’ Symposium held online

The International Nurses Day program, organized annually as part of the Nursing Week in collaboration with Koç University School of Nursing, Semahat Arsel Nursing Education and Research Center and Vehbi Koç Foundation Healthcare Institutions, was held online this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Professor Ayişe Karadağ, the Dean of Koç University School of Nursing, gave the opening speech of the symposium titled “Nursing in the time of Covid-19”.

Ashoka Turkey organized Social Entrepreneurship Day in partnership with VKV

Ashoka Turkey, in partnership with Vehbi Koç Foundation, hosted the Social Entrepreneurship Day on April 28-29 to bring together leaders of the civil society and the business world. The sessions, held online and open to the public, were followed by nearly 200 people from more than 10 cities. Vehbi Koç Foundation General Manager Erdal Yıldırım gave the opening speech of the event, whose guests of honor included Jeroo Billimoria, Bekir Ağırdır and Faruk Eczacıbaşı.

Vehbi Koç Foundation’s Annual Report is Published

The eighth edition of “VKV”, the annual report of Vehbi Koç Foundation, the first private foundation of Turkey established more than 50 years ago, was published in Turkish and English. The report provides an overview of the year 2019, documenting the activities and projects of the Foundation and the organizations under its umbrella in the fields of education, healthcare, culture and civic society, with insightful interviews enriching the content.

The 19th Vehbi Koç Award presented to Professor İlhan Tekeli

The recipient of the 19th Vehbi Koç Award, presented annually in the fields of culture, education and healthcare, respectively, by the Vehbi Koç Foundation to recognize individuals and institutions that contribute to improving people’s quality of life was Professor İlhan Tekeli for his body of work on “social sciences and urban studies”. This year, the award was in the field of “culture” and presented to Professor Tekeli by Ömer M. Koç, Chairman, Koç Holding.

The Model School of the 21st Century by VKV

Beykoz Koç Middle School, built by Vehbi Koç Foundation, which has been serving with the principle of “The Onus is on Us” for the improvement of the country and the development of the society for half a century, as a model school with the “build, transfer, support” approach and transferred to the Ministry of National Education was opened on December 16, 2019 with the participation of Minister Ziya Selçuk.

The American Turkish Society Awarded Vehbi Koç Foundation for Excellence in Philanthropy

The American Turkish Society celebrated Vehbi Koç Foundation with an award for 50 years of Excellence in Philanthropy. The Society’s Annual Gala in New York City brought together Turkish and American diplomats, high level representatives from the public and private sectors, artists, scientists and opinion leaders. Peggy Rockefeller Dulany, the Gala Chair and founder of Synergos, presented the award to Semahat Arsel, the Chair or Vehbi Koç Foundation.

Vehbi Koç Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Platform Is Online with the “The Onus Is on Us” Theme

To mark its 50th anniversary, Vehbi Koç Foundation initiated a new platform inspired by its 50th anniversary slogan “The Onus Is on Us”. The website aims to inspire to take responsibility in helping others through personal endeavors. The website features “Lives, Adding Value” video series and also a list of institutions offering volunteer work opportunities for the people, who want to start voluntary work.

Bodrum American Hospital: Turkey’s first ‘Museum-Hospital’

Expanding for the first time beyond Istanbul, the VKV American Hospital acquired the Private Bodrum Hospital, which was providing healthcare to Bodrum locals since 1997. The Private Bodrum Hospital underwent a full-scale renovation and it started to serve as the Bodrum American Hospital in 2019.

Vehbi Koç Foundation’s new exhibition space “Meşher” Open on Istiklal Street in September!

Vehbi Koç Foundation’s new arts and cultural institution “Meşher” is opening in Meymenet Han, which hosted Arter from 2010 until 2019 on Istiklal Street, Istanbul. Meşher’s first exhibition titled “Beyond the Vessel: Myths, Legends, and Fables in Contemporary Ceramics around Europe” will open on September 13, 2019.

Turkey’s First Social Entrepreneurship Trainer's Training

Turkey Social Entrepreneurship Network initiated by Vehbi Koç Foundation in collaboration with the Koç University Social Impact Forum (KUSIF), Ashoka Foundation Turkey, Association for Innovative Solutions in Sustainable Development, TED University, the Social Innovation Initiative Association, Social Enterprise UK, and the Mozaik Foundation, organized Turkey’s first social entrepreneurship trainer’s training in July 2019.

“Harmony and Color in Calligraphy” Exhibition at the Sadberk Hanım Museum

Sadberk Hanım Museum, founded in 1980 by the Vehbi Koç Foundation as the first private museum of Turkey, is hosting an exhibition of select manuscripts and calligraphy works in celebration of the Foundation’s fiftieth anniversary. A selection of works, including books, illuminated manuscripts and calligraphies of artistic value, will be exhibited at the Sadberk Hanım Museum from April 25 to December 22, 2019.

A Profound Legacy: Philanthropy and Ankara Foundations Symposium

Koç University Vehbi Koç Ankara Studies Research Center (VEKAM) hosted the “A Profound Legacy: Philanthropy and Ankara Foundations Symposium” on April 15-16, 2019. During the two-day event, the meaning of philanthropy, different approaches to philanthropy today and contemporary practices, as well as foundations in Ankara in the Ottoman Era in light of archival documents were discussed.

Professor Mehmet Toner is the recipient of the 18th Vehbi Koç Award

In 2019, the recipient of the Vehbi Koç Award, presented annually in the fields of culture, education and healthcare, respectively, by the Vehbi Koç Foundation to recognize individuals and institutions that contribute to improving people’s quality of life was Professor Mehmet Toner for his groundbreaking work in “Healthcare”.

Philanthropy in Anatolia through the Ages Symposium

In celebration of the 50th year of the Vehbi Koç Foundation, organized by AKMED, ANAMED and GABAM, symposium titled "Philanthropy in Anatolia through the Ages", marking the First International Suna & İnan Kıraç Symposium on Mediterranean Civilizations, will be held at AKMED, Antalya on 26-29 March, 2019.

Book Chat about "As Vehbi Koç Tells It: A Compilation"

A book chat about "As Vehbi Koç Tells It: A Compilation", took place on 12 March, at Tofaş Academy Library in Bursa Tofaş Turkish Automobile Plant, with the participation of the book’s editor Gürel Tüzün. The chat marked an enjoyable event about Vehbi Koç’s sincere and guiding memories, the founder of Turkey's largest conglomerate corporation Koç Holding and the first private foundation of Turkey, Vehbi Koç Foundation, with the participation of Tofaş employees.

The Annual Report of Vehbi Koç Foundation is Published

The seventh edition of ‘VKV’, the annual report of Vehbi Koç Foundation, the first private foundation of Turkey established 50 years ago, was published in Turkish and English. The report provides an overview of the year 2018, documenting the activities and projects of the Foundation and the organizations under its umbrella in the fields of education, healthcare, culture and civic society, with insightful interviews enriching the content.

Turkey Social Entrepreneurship Network by Vehbi Koç Foundation in Collaboration with The Directorate For EU Affairs

Vehbi Koç Foundation launched the Turkey Social Entrepreneurship Network Project in collaboration with the Directorate for EU Affairs, a department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. Funded by the European Union and Republic of Turkey within the scope of the Civil Society Support Programme, Turkey Social Entrepreneurship Network aims to spread the culture of social entrepreneurship across Turkey and to develop an ecosystem.

Vehbi Koç Foundation Celebrates Half A Century!

Vehbi Koç Foundation, established on January 17, 1969 as Turkey’s first private foundation, invested $1.355 billion in education, healthcare and culture and touched millions of lives in the last fifty years by saying “the onus is on us”. Vehbi Koç Foundation celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year.

Prof. Metin Sitti receives Rahmi Koç Medal of Science

The third Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Medal of Science was presented to Professor Metin Sitti for his groundbreaking biomedical work with micro- and nanotechnologies in human health improvement in the overlapping fields of science, engineering and technology, on November 21, 2018.

Arter is moving to its new building in Istanbul

Arter, opened in 2010 with the aim of providing a sustainable infrastructure for producing and exhibiting contemporary art, is moving to its new home scheduled to open in September 2019. Arter’s former building on Istiklal Street will be re-opened also in September 2019 as a yet-to-be-named exhibition space operated by the Vehbi Koç Foundation.

Vehbi Koç’s House Opened to Visitors with a Josephine Powell Exhibition

The Büyükdere House in Sarıyer, Istanbul where Vehbi Koç spent his summers with his family, is opened to the public with an exhibition. The exhibition showcasing the kilims, which Josephine Powell, one of the last travelers of Anatolia, collected over a period of more than two decades, from the 1970s to the 1990s, and were donated to the Vehbi Koç Foundation after her passing in 2007, is now open to visitors.

The Annual Report of Vehbi Koç Vakfı is Published

Turkey's first private foundation established 49 years ago, Vehbi Koç Foundation's annual report “VKV”s sixth edition has been published. The report provides an overview of the year 2017, documenting the activities and future projects of the foundation in the fields of education, healthcare and culture. The report is enriched with interviews with some outstanding young people whose lives were touched by Vehbi Koç Foundation.

Prof. Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wins the 17th Vehbi Koç Award

The winner of the 17th Vehbi Koç Award, given each year by the Vehbi Koç Foundation in the fields of culture, education and healthcare respectively, was announced at a ceremony held with the participation of the Koç Family and guests. Prof. Yılmaz Büyükerşen was the winner of the award with his groundbreaking work in the field of education.

Vehbi Koç Foundation Celebrates 49th Anniversary

The Vehbi Koç Foundation, founded on January 17, 1969 by Vehbi Koç, is celebrating its 49th anniversary in 2018. As the first private foundation established in Turkey, the Vehbi Koç Foundation aims to contribute to faster development of the country through institutions that it manages, projects it supports and programs in the fields of education, healthcare and culture, and to serve Turkey with sustainable and reproducible models.

The Countdown for the 17th Vehbi Koç Award begins!

The winner of the 17th Vehbi Koç Award will be announced next February. Organized annually the Vehbi Koç Award is given in the fields of education, healthcare and culture, respectively to individuals or organizations that have contributed significantly to the people and the development of Turkey. Last year’s winner was Prof. Zeynep Ahunbay for her pioneering work in cultural heritage.

Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Medal of Science was given to Professor Daron Acemoğlu

Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Medal of Science in its second year was given in the fields of "Administrative Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Law" to Professor Daron Acemoğlu on November 22, 2017 . Prof. Acemoğlu was presented the award for his groundbreaking contributions to labor and political economics as well as macroeconomics of growth and development.

Social Impact; All About Having an Impact on People!

Koç University Social Impact Forum (KUSIF) organized the Social Impact and Social Finance Conference in partnership with Mikado Sustainable Development Consulting, and Ashoka Turkey. With sponsors including Vehbi Koç Foundation and UniCredit Foundation, the event took place on September 22 at the Koç University Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations (ANAMED).

Two Publications Accompany ‘A Good Neighbour'

The 15th Istanbul Biennial themed a good neighbour, organized by Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) and sponsored by Koç Holding, will last until November 12. Meanwhile, accompanying the biennial are two publications, both published by Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) and Yapı Kredi Publications. The books are currently sold in the biennial venues, bookshops, and İKSV.

VKV’s Scholarship Students exceed 50,000

The total number of students benefiting from the scholarship program that the Vehbi Koç Foundation launched in 1969 with the aim of creating equal opportunities in education by initially supporting 315 students has today exceeded 50,000. The Foundation’s program for university students offers the highest scholarships among public and private institutions. Following the 2017 application period from September 5 to 29, the students eligible for scholarships will be announced in December.

Rahmi M. Koç Medal of Science due to be awarded soon

“Rahmi M. Koç Medal of Science” program which was launched last year by Koç University to promote the advancement of the sciences by recognizing the achievements - both in Turkey and abroad - of the most promising minds of our nation, exceptional individuals of Turkish origin who have shown outstanding success and significant progress in their field, is due to be announced at an awards ceremony on November 22, 2017. Last year’s winner was Prof. Aydoğan Özcan.

Anatolian Scholarship Program celebrates its 7th year!

The Anatolian Scholarship Program, launched by Koç University to offer full scholarships to successful high school graduates with limited financial means to ensure they benefit from the best university education, is celebrating its seventh year. The program, which has been offered to 376 students since its launch in 2011, will make it possible for 90 new students to realize their dreams.

The Curious Case of Çatalhöyük

Koç University Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations (ANAMED) hosts an exhibition about the Çatalhöyük Research Project which celebrates its 25th excavation season this year. The exhibition presents the fascinating cutting-edge archaeological research methods, and remains open till October 25.

Koç Healthcare: A New Website

A new website has been launched in line with the new holistic structure of the Healthcare Institutions of Vehbi Koç Foundation. The website “Koç Healthcare” provides particularly the international patients and visitors with information on the Vehbi Koç Foundation Healthcare Institutions, their services and the latest medical developments.

Abadan Awards in Social Sciences and Law

Established as an interdisciplinary hub for gender and women’s studies, The Center for Gender Studies at Koç University (KOÇ-KAM) launched the KOÇ-KAM Abadan Awards in 2017. The award program aims to encourage outstanding scholars in post-graduate studies in social sciences and law. The annual award will be presented in the name of Prof. Yavuz Abadan or Prof. Nermin Abadan Unat in alternating years.

KUİYEM’s website is online

Koç University First Aid Education Center’s (KUİYEM) website has been redesigned in line with new technologies. First set up in 2010, the Koç University First Aid Education Center (KUİYEM) provides first aid training courses for companies and their employees.

Professor Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı passed away

Prof. Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı, the Director of Koç University Gender Studies Center (KOÇ-KAM) and Professor of Psychology at Koç University has passed away on March 2, 2017. Prof. Kağıtçıbaşı, in whose name UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Sustainable Development was established recently, was also a member of the Executive Board of The Koç School.

Our Annual Report “VKV” 2016 published!

The fifth edition of “VKV”, the Annual Report of Vehbi Koç Foundation has been published in Turkish and English. With prefaces by Chairwoman Semahat Arsel and President Erdal Yıldırım, the report provides an overview of the year, documenting the activities of Vehbi Koç Foundation and the organizations under its umbrella in the fields of education, healthcare and culture, with insightful interviews enriching the content.

Prof. Zeynep Ahunbay Wins the 16th Vehbi Koç Award

This year’s The Vehbi Koç Award recipient was Prof. Zeynep Ahunbay for her pioneering work in cultural heritage. Prof. Ahunbay, one of the top conservation experts in the World, was presented her award by Koç in a ceremony held on February 23, 2017.

A Business Development Opportunity for Social Entrepreneurs From Koç University

Koç University Social Impact Forum (KUSIF), in partnership with UniCredit Foundation and Vehbi Koç Foundation, and in collaboration with Yapı Kredi Bank, started the “Change with Business” project to ensure the economic sustainability of the social enterprises and to increase their social impact. The project aims to provide social entrepreneurs with the required know-how and skills to establish sustainable business models.

Mustafa V. Koç Remembered on the second Anniversary of his Passing

Mustafa V. Koç, the Chairman of the Koç Group from 2003 to 2016, was remembered on the second anniversary of his passing on January 21 with ceremonies.

1st Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Medal of Science Goes to Prof. Aydoğan Özcan

Koç University launched the Rahmi M. Koç Medal of Science program to encourage the development of science by supporting young and successful Turkish scientists. The first-ever Koç University Rahmi M. Koç Medal of Science was presented to Prof. Aydoğan Özcan.

Asst. Prof. Erdem Yörük Receives ERC Grant

Asst. Prof. Erdem Yörük of Koç University’s Sociology Department has received the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant worth 1.5 million euro for his project To date, more than half of the projects awarded with ERC Grants belong to KU researchers (9 out of 16 projects).

Dr. Elif Nur Fırat Karalar receives Newton Advanced Fellowship Research Award

Dr. Elif Nur Fırat-Karalar of Koç University’s Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics has been awarded with the prestigious Royal Society Newton Advanced Fellowship. Her research project has been supported with £108,000 in funds, and once completed, will lead to an understanding of the underlying cellular causes of human genetic diseases and cancer.

Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit Starts Admitting Patients

Koç University Hospital Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit has started to admit patients. The Unit, coordinated by Prof. Dr. Olga Meltem Akay, provides advanced healthcare services with state-of-the-art technologies.

Online Platform for Childhood Diabetes Training

The Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Department at the Koç University Hospital created an online platform to provide training for childhood diabetes. This program that addresses a different diabetes related topic every month aims at supporting children with Type 1 diabetes and their families, as well as creating nationwide interaction among diabetics.

KOÇ-KAM undertakes activities on issues pertaining to women and gender

The Center for Gender Studies at Koç University (KOÇ-KAM) established as an interdisciplinary hub for gender research and gender studies in March 2010, undertakes various academic and training activities within and outside the university on issues pertaining to women and gender. The Center’s Founder and Director Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı, Professor of Psychology at Koç University has unfortunately passed away last March.

A Study on "Charitable Giving In Turkey"

The Study on Individual Charitable Giving and Philanthropy in Turkey was published by the Third Sector Foundation of Turkey (TÜSEV) with the contributions of six foundations including the Vehbi Koç Foundation. Led by Professor Ali Çarkoğlu and Assoc. Professor Selim Erdem Aytaç, the study was conducted by Koç University Field Research Center in 68 provinces across Turkey with the participation of 2,495 respondents.

Koç University’s Class of 2016 graduated

Koç University’s “22nd Commencement Ceremony for Undergraduates and Graduates” took place at the Rumelifeneri Campus. Rahmi M. Koç, Honorary Chairman, Ömer M. Koç, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Professor Umran Inan, Koç University President, attended the ceremony and addressed the students. Muhtar Kent, the CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, was the keynote speaker of the ceremony at which 1,030 students received their diplomas.

Koç University School of Nursing gains College status

Koç University School of Nursing, founded in 1999 in partnership with Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, will continue to teach in “college” status starting from the 2016-2017 academic year. College of Nursing will be housed in its state-of-the-art building in the university’s Health Sciences Campus in Topkapı, Istanbul and provide nursing education with its internationally renowned faculty.

American Hospital partners with MD Anderson

American Hospital has expanded its partnership with MD Anderson, a leading US cancer treatment center, which started in 2010 with radiation oncology, to include oncological treatments in all branches.

Byzantine Identity and the Other in Geographical and Ethnic Imagination

The fourth International Sevgi Gönül Byzantine Studies Symposium was held on June 23-25 at Koç University Research Center for Anatolian Civilization (ANAMED). The symposium titled “Byzantine Identity and the Other in Geographical and Ethnic Imagination” aimed to explore the complex relationship between geography, ethnicity and other factors contributing to the formation of the image of the other, with the participation of 32 local and international scientists.

Our Annual Report “VKV” 2015 published!

The fourth edition of “VKV”, the Annual Report of Vehbi Koç Foundation has been published in Turkish and English. With prefaces by Chairwoman Semahat Arsel and President Erdal Yıldırım commemorating the late Mustafa V. Koç and referring to philanthropy, the report provides an overview of the year, documenting the activities of Vehbi Koç Foundation and the organizations under its umbrella in the fields of education, healthcare and culture, with insightful interviews enriching the content.

Professor Kamil Uğurbil receives the 15th Vehbi Koç Award

This year’s winner of the Vehbi Koç Award given out annually by Vehbi Koç Foundation to individuals or institutions for their outstanding contributions to the fields of culture, education and healthcare, respectively is Professor Kamil Uğurbil for his groundbreaking work on neuroimaging and analyzing the functions of the human brain.

Thanks and Appreciation from Vehbi Koç Foundation and Koç Group

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our fellow citizens, colleagues, friends, and Koç Holding Employees and Dealers for their condolence visits, making charitable donations, and sharing our grief with their messages upon the untimely passing of Mustafa V. Koç, a much-beloved member of our Foundation and the Chairman of Koç Holding.

Fazıl Say was on the SGKM stage 15 years later

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Sevgi Gönül Cultural Center, world-renowned pianist and composer Fazıl Say was on the stage. Say, who has performed with countless orchestras around the globe including New York Philharmonic, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Wien Philharmonic, Czech Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic and Tokyo Symphony, delivered a grand musical fete for the audience with his Piano Recital at SGKM on November 4.

Maritime Forum will contribute to Turkey’s maritime affairs

The Maritime Forum has been founded within the Koç University with the objective of setting goals, determining policies, and developing strategies on the main topics that contribute to Turkey’s maritime affairs.

Center for Late Antique and Byzantine Studies opened

The Center for Late Antique and Byzantine Studies (CLABS) cofounded by Koç University and Stavros Niarchos Foundation at the Rumelifeneri Campus opened with a reception that several guests from science and archaeology communities attended on November 13. CLABS will encourage scientific studies on Late Antique Age and Byzantine art, and also help fill an important gap in this field by scientifically addressing Byzantine culture, which is an integral part of Turkey’s cultural heritage.

Prof. Aziz Sancar, the recipient of the 6th Vehbi Koç Award has been granted the Nobel Prize in Chemistry

The Nobel Prize in chemistry has been awarded to Aziz Sancar for his research into the mechanisms that cells use to repair DNA. Aziz Sancar is also the winner of Vehbi Koç Award in 2007 which was given in the category of heathcare. Aziz Sancar, MD PhD is Sarah Graham Kenan Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine where he conducts research on “DNA Repair, Cell Cycle and Cancer Treatment, and the Biological Clock”.

Construction begins for VKF's new contemporary art museum

The most recent major cultural project of the Vehbi Koç Foundation is the establishment of a contemporary art museum scheduled to be opened at the end of 2017 in Istanbul’s Dolapdere district, close to the city centre. Conceptualised as a multidisciplinary cultural and educational hub, the museum will house the Vehbi Koç Foundation Contemporary Art Collection as well as feature temporary exhibitions and associated events throughout the year, furthering ARTER’s ongoing programme.

On the Trail of Underwater Treasures

Vehbi Koç Foundation, Ankara University Research Center for Mairtime Archaeology (ANKÜSAM), TINA Foundation and Urla Municipality have partnered to establish the Ankara University Mustafa V. Koç Research Center for Marimtime Archaeology in Urla (Izmir) that will create global impact with the studies it conducts.

21st Commencement Ceremony at Koç University

Koç University’s “21st Commencement Ceremony” took place on June 20th at the Rumelifeneri Campus. Rahmi M. Koç, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Koç University, made the opening speech of the ceremony. Christiane Amanpour was the keynote speaker of the ceremony during which 1,437 graduates from the Class of 2015 and graduate schools were presented their diplomas.

MedAmerikan Medical Center Opened

MedAmerikan Policlinic, serving patients at Çiftehavuzlar (Istanbul) since 1997 as part of American Hospital, has been converted to a Medical Center following an investment of ten million dollars. MedAmerikan will continue to offer healthcare services in international standards with specialized doctors and experienced support personnel at its new location Bağdat Caddesi, Feneryolu in a nine thousand square meter facility as a “Medical Center”.

VKV’s Third Annual Report published!

The third edition of “VKV”, the Annual Report of Vehbi Koç Foundation has been published in Turkish and English. With prefaces by Chairwoman Semahat Arsel and General Manager Erdal Yıldırım providing an overview on philanthropy, the Report, enriched with interviews, documents the activities of Vehbi Koç Foundation and the organizations under its umbrella in the fields of education, health and culture.

The winners of the 14th Vehbi Koç Award for Education are Professor Ali Nesin and the Mathematics Village Project

The winners of the 2015 Vehbi Koç Award granted in the field of education are Professor Ali Nesin and his Mathematics Village Project. Professor Nesin has devoted his life to science and mathematics, breaking the barriers of mathematics education in Turkey, and achieving extraordinary success in creative education with his publications, studies and especially the Mathematics Village Project.

Koç University Hospital is operational

The first phase of the Koç University Hospital, of which the construction began on May 22, 2012, was completed in September 2014. The Koç University Hospital has 192 patient rooms, 55 intensive care beds, 88 observation beds, 22 chemotherapy units, 224 examination rooms and 13 operation rooms.

Semahat Arsel Distinguished Honorary Fellow Award presented to Irina Bokova, UNESCO’s Director-General

The Center for Gender Studies at Koc University (KOÇ-KAM) launched a new initiative, the “Semahat Arsel Distinguished Honorary Fellow Award” to honor women in prominent positions across the world, and individuals who carry out studies on women and gender. The inaugural award was presented to Irina Bokova, UNESCO’s first woman Director-General.

EÇADEM supports disabled children and their families

Koç University Support Center for the Disabled Children and Their Families (EÇADEM) carries on to provide care and consultancy services for the disabled children, as well as their mothers and siblings to preserve family unity, and to improve their quality of life. The center helps disabled children develop self-care skills and improve their self-care capabilities.

Education at the Museum

VKV Sadberk Hanım Museum has published a set of books consisting of activity books for children and a teacher’s guide as part of the “Let’s go to the museum! (Haydi Müzeye!)” educational project. Art History and Archaeology activity books take children on a historical journey exploring the Anatolian civilizations and Ottoman heritage in the context of the artifacts exhibited in the museum.

Vehbi Koç Foundation featured on the cover and as a special section of Bizden Haberler

Bizden Haberler, the corporate magazine of the Koç Group, dedicated its cover and a special section of its 415th issue published in July 2014 to Vehbi Koç Foundation and the concept of foundations. Vehbi Koç Foundation and its entities were depicted in the cover design of the magazine that featured interviews with Semahat Arsel, Chair of Vehbi Koç Foundation, and Erdal Yıldırım, General Manager of the Foundation

VEKAM published the third issue of the Journal of Ankara Studies

The third issue of the Journal of Ankara Studies featuring seven articles on the disciplines of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Health Sciences, Archaeology, Literature, and History, is now available.

An Interview with Erdal Yıldırım published on the European Foundation Centre’s website

The European Foundation Centre (EFC) which is an international membership association of foundations, has published on its website an interview with the Vehbi Koç Foundation’s General Manager Erdal Yıldırım. In the interview, Erdal Yıldırım speaks about the Vehbi Koç Foundation’s mission and projects.

A book that sheds light on the History of Nursing in Turkey

In honor of the centennial of accepting nursing as a profession and providing uninterrupted nursing education, Vehbi Koç Foundation, during Nurses Week between May 12-18, published a book that sheds light on the history of nursing starting in the Ottoman era. The book authored by Prof. Nuran Yıldırım tells how hardships from wartime to present day have been overcome and what has been done to educate the nurses of the future.

City and Journey in the İstanbul Tanpınar Literature Festival

The sixth ITEF-İstanbul Tanpınar Literature Festival themed City and Travel under the main sponsorship of Vehbi Koç Foundation will take place from May 5 to 11, 2014. This year ITEF will once again feature a full program of get-togethers with local and international authors, talks and workshops as well as events for children.

Vehbi Koç Foundation Contemporary Art Collection lends artwork to MoMA

Sigmar Polke’s 1967 work “Kartoffelhaus” from the Contemporary Art Collection of Vehbi Koç Foundation is on loan to New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) that houses some of the most important contemporary and modern artworks in the world. The "Alibis: Sigmar Polke 1963-2010" exhibition featuring the famous artist’s works will be open from April 19 to August 3, 2014.

Paving the way to the Future:
Activities of 2013

The Vehbi Koç Foundation’s Annual Report’s second issue "VKV 2013” has been published. The Annual Report begins with a preface co-written by Chairperson of the Board of Directors Semahat Arsel and President Erdal Yıldırım where questions about the future are brought to the reader’s attention. It then relates the activities, enriched with relevant interviews, carried out by the Foundation and its Entities in the fields of education, healthcare and culture.

Vehbi Koç Award of 2014 goes to Prof. Zeynep Çelik

The winner of the 13th Vehbi Koç Award was announced during the awards ceremony held on the evening of February 25, 2014. This year the award goes in the field of culture, and the winner is Professor Zeynep Çelik from New Jersey Institute of Technology whose work on Ottoman architecture, culture and urban life has contributed to the world and Ottoman history.

Vehbi Koç Foundation Supports Fisherwomen

The Vehbi Koç Foundation supports the “Fisherwomen Project” launched in March of 2013. The aim of the Fisherwomen Project is to support the survival of the numerous fisherwomen who work on the Datça and Bozburun peninsulas making an economic contribution to their families, to identify their problems and keep the public informed, to protect marine conservation areas, and to raise awareness of sustainable fishing principles and conservation-use among fisherwomen.

New Approaches in Civil Society Conference

Organized on November 21-22, 2013 at Kadir Has University with the support of the Sabancı Foundation and the Vehbi Koç Foundation for the 20th anniversary of TÜSEV, the New Approaches in Civil Society Conference was a well-attended forum where civil society’s next decade was discussed.

The “Anatolia Is Reading” Project visits Şırnak in its 3rd year

In response to the many requests for books addressed to the Vehbi Koç Foundation, the foundation has decided to launch in 2011 a new project called “Anatolia Is Reading”. Following Hakkari in 2011 and Van in 2012, sets of books were sent to all of the middle schools and 200 elementary schools in Şırnak in 2013.

The inauguration of the Kocaeli University VKV Ford Otosan Gölcük İhsaniye Vocational College for Automotive

The opening ceremony of the Gölcük İhsaniye Vocational College for Automotive, which was built with the support of Ford Otosan and Vehbi Koç Foundation for the Kocaeli University, took place on January 8 2014.

The 55th International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia

At the 55th International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia which ran from 1 June to 24 November 2013, the Pavilion of Turkey presented Ali Kazma's video series "Resistance" under the curatorship of Emre Baykal, the Exhibitions Director of ARTER with the sponsorship of Vehbi Koç Foundation and Fiat. The Venice Biennale was visited by over 475,000 people during the six months it was open.

Support from Vehbi Koç Foundation to Turkish Pavillion at the Venice Biennial

On the initiation of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) and with the support of Vehbi Koç Foundation along with other 21 supporters, Turkey is obtaining a long-term venue in the Venice Biennale, one of world's leading contemporary art and architecture events. The allotment of 20 years (from 2014 to 2034) at Arsenale, one of the two main venues of the event, will allow the Pavilion of Turkey to take part for the first time this year in the International Architecture Exhibition.

Our Story: Vocational Education, A Crucial Matter for the Nation Project

“Vocational Education: A Crucial Matter for the Nation (MLMM)” project launched in 2006 by Koç Holding in cooperation with the National Education Ministry and supported by the Vehbi Koç Foundation has been chronicled in a book and on film entitled “Our Story”, which will serve as a reference point in the area of corporate social responsibility.

Project MLMM Wins European Digital Communications Award

The "Vocational Schools are a National Issue" (MLMM) Project, which Koç Holding has conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Vehbi Koç Foundation since 2006, won the "Best Corporate Social Responsibility Communication of the Year" award with its "High School Compete with Vocations" at the "European Digital Communication Awards 2012" organized by the Berlin-based Quadriga University.

Vehbi Koç Foundation Ford Otosan Gölcük Culture and Community Center’s website is online!

With its natural surroundings, award winning architectural design and its rich events calendar, Vehbi Koç Foundation Ford Otosan Gölcük Culture and Social Center has been promoting social and cultural development for the people in the region. Now the Center’s website is online, giving detailed information about its activities.

Applying for a scholarship

For a VKV scholarship for the academic year of 2013/2014, students have to send their applications to the universities’. Please get in contact with the scholarship office or the student affairs office of your university.

Echoes from the deep

“Echoes From the Deep - Wrecks of the Dardanelles Campaign” is published by Vehbi Koç Foundation and Ayhan Şahenk Foundation. In the book, the authors Selçuk Kolay, Okan Taktak and Mithat Atabay tell the story of shipswrecks lost in the Dardanelles Straits, Aegean Sea and the Marmara Sea.

Koç University is ranked at the 31st!

Koç University is ranked at the 31st in “THE 100 Under 50 2013 world university rankings” of the Times Higher Education (THE), United Kingdom's leading higher education news publication. “THE 100 Under 50” is a ranking of the top 100 universities in the world under 50 years old. Koç University was the highest ranking Turkish university in the list.

VEKAM Journal of Ankara Studies is published!

Vehbi Koç and Ankara Research Center (VEKAM) has started publishing an interdisciplinary biannual refereed journal called the “Journal of Ankara Studies” on the 90th anniversary of the Turkish Republic and Ankara becoming the capital city. The articles in the Journal of Ankara Studies will be published in both Turkish and English.

VEKAM’s content will be on LoCloud

LoCloud Project, funded by the European Commission, aims to present the content from small and medium local institutions such as museums, archives and libraries in the digital European arena. Cloud-based technology will offer an affordable and userfriendly solution for making their content available on-line. Turkey will take part in the Project with The Vehbi Koç and Ankara Research Center (VEKAM). The Project has started on the 1st of March, and will run for three years.

Our 2012 Annual Report has been published

The Vehbi Koç Foundation’s 2012 Annual Report “VKV” presenting the activities carried out by the Foundation and its Entities in the fields of education, healthcare and culture as well as the projects they plan to realize in the near future is now available. “VKV” is prepared in both Turkish and English.

Ayşe Erkmen Students in TANAS

Founded by Vehbi Koç Foundation in Berlin in 2008, TANAS aims to follow the developments regarding the contemporary Turkish arts, and to function as an international showcase for the contemporary Turkish artists. Ayşe Erkmen, who is one of the pioneers of the contemporary art both domestically and internationally, brings the works of her students together in an exhibition titled “New Kids of the Block” at TANAS. The exhibition can be seen until the 11th of May.

The Koç Model School: A Prototype to Drive Innovation in Education

The Koç Model School in Istanbul Beykoz, opened in 2014, is a collaborative effort between the Vehbi Koç Foundation, international design firm Cannon Design and the Turkish State Ministry of Education. This model school is envisioned to set an example for the education system and donors.

12th Vehbi Koç Award goes to Prof. Dr. Gökhan Hotamışlıgil…

The winner of the 12th Vehbi Koç Award was announced during the awards ceremony held on the evening of February 25, 2013. The winner of the award is Gökhan Hotamışlıgil, the J.S. Simmons Professor of Genetics and Metabolism and chair of the Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Three Awards to Koç University from TUBITAK

Prof. Özlem Keskin Akkaya and Prof. Ziya Öniş from the Koç University received TUBITAK’s Science Awards. Asst. Prof. Menderes Işkın was awarded with the Encouragement Award. Koç University was the only university to receive three awards in the Awards Ceremony of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK).

Skill of the Hand, Delight of the Eye

At the Sadberk Hanım Museum, first private museum in Turkey, an exquisite collection of Ottoman embroideries is on show. The exhibition entitled “Skill of the Hand, Delight of the Eye” brings together a vast range of embroideries from the palace glamour and everyday life of the Ottoman period. You can visit the exhibition till June 30.

Vehbi Koç Foundation supports Van

"Ford Otosan Teachers' Housing” construction in Van was completed giving 128 families a home. The project was initiated after the disastrous earthquake in Van, in order to support educators and teachers in the area.

25 Successful Years in Education

Each year, one of the most renowned schools in Turkey, the Koç School, has high ranking results at the university entrance both in Turkey and abroad. The Koç School is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a number of events throughout the whole year. Fazıl Say Concert, Origami Workshop, Parenthood Conference are a few of the events that were organized…

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