The architectural output of Aydın Boysan spanned a total area of 1,500,000 square metres, influencing the landscape of Turkey for over five decades. While his professional practice defined his career from 1945 until 1999, he also established a significant presence in journalism and literature, leaving behind a prolific body of written work across multiple genres.
Architectural Career and Professional Service
Boysan graduated from Pertevniyal High School before pursuing architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts, later known as Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. Throughout his career, he secured numerous domestic and international design competition victories. Beyond individual projects, he played a foundational role in professional governance, becoming a charter member of the Chamber of Architects in 1954 and serving as its first secretary general. He further contributed to the field as an educator, holding a position at Istanbul Technical University between 1957 and 1972.
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After establishing the Bas Printing House in 1984, Boysan focused on publishing essays, memoirs, and fiction. His journalistic work included a decade as a columnist for Hürriyet and three years with Akşam. His writing often explored humor and personal experience. His published repertoire includes travelogues such as Dünyayı Severek, Yollarda, and Uzaklardan, as well as fiction like Yıl 2046 Uzay Anıları. His memoir collection spans numerous titles, including İstanbul Esintileri, Leke Bırakan Gölgeler, and Nereye Gitti İstanbul?.
Legacy and Final Years
Born in Istanbul in 1921, Boysan maintained his connection to the city throughout his life. His multifaceted career as an architect, writer, and journalist concluded with his death in Istanbul in 2018 at the age of 97. He is buried at Ortaköy Cemetery. His architectural designs remain in use, serving as the primary record of his long professional tenure in Turkey.
Fast facts
- Born: 1921, Istanbul
- Died: 2018, Istanbul
- Education: Pertevniyal High School
- Architectural practice duration: 1945-1999
- Total area designed: 1,500,000 square metres
- Teaching tenure: 1957-1972
- Burial site: Ortaköy Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Aydın Boysan write about?
His writing covered memoir, humor, travel, and fiction.
How long was his career in architecture?
He worked as an architect for 54 years, from 1945 to 1999.
Achievements
- Trained at Pertevniyal High School
