The Olbia Social Center at Akdeniz University earned a prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2001, highlighting the work of Cengiz Bektaş. Beyond his structural contributions, he balanced a career as a practicing architect, academic lecturer, and writer, leaving an extensive legacy of buildings and literary publications across Turkey during his active decades.
Education and Early Career
Born in Denizli in 1934, Bektaş pursued studies at the State Academy of Fine Arts in Istanbul. In 1955, he joined a field trip led by Kurt Erdmann to examine Islamic architecture in Anatolia. He completed his architectural degree in 1959 while simultaneously attending the Technical University of Munich. Following his graduation, he worked as a freelance architect in Germany until 1962, when he accepted an invitation to teach at the Middle East Technical University in Ankara.
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Starting in 1963, Bektaş operated his own professional practice while continuing to lecture at various universities. His portfolio includes diverse projects such as the Etimesgut Mosque in Ankara, the Babadağlılar Bazaar in Denizli, and the Mertim skyscraper in Mersin. Other notable works include the Turkish Language Association headquarters, the Aphrodisias Oct Museum in Aydın, and the Büyükada Turkish-Swedish Cultural House in Istanbul. His practice addressed both civic and commercial needs, resulting in projects like the Fe-Farma Medical Supplies Factory in Elazığ and the Bakırköy International Industrial Bank.
Writing and Literary Contribution
Bektaş maintained a prolific output as a writer for the Evrensel newspaper and authored numerous books covering themes of urban culture, domestic architecture, and poetry. His bibliography includes titles such as 'Kuş Evleri', 'Yaşama Kültürü', and 'Kentli Olmak ya da Olmamak'. His commitment to literature and cultural critique earned him the Ceyhun Atuf Kansu Poetry Award in 2007 and the PEN Turkey Poetry Award in 2018. He frequently participated in public panels and international architectural conferences to discuss traditions in building design.
Professional Recognition
Throughout his career, Bektaş received multiple accolades for his design contributions, including the Mimar Sinan Grand Award in 2016. Early in his career, he secured first prizes in competitions for the T.C. Bonn Embassy in 1963 and the Bakırköy Elderly Site in 1968. Following his death in 2020 in Istanbul, he was buried at the Nakkaş Baba Cemetery, leaving behind a body of work that spans from the 1960s through the early 21st century.
Fast facts
- Born: 1934, Denizli
- Died: 2020, Istanbul
- Education: Technical University of Munich
- Major Award: Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2001)
- Professional Role: Architect and Writer
- Burial Site: Nakkaş Baba Cemetery
- Language of Work: Turkish
Questions readers ask
What is Cengiz Bektaş most known for architecturally?
He is recognized for a wide range of structures including the Olbia Social Center, which won the 2001 Aga Khan Award for Architecture, and various bazaars, mosques, and residential projects throughout Turkey.
Did Bektaş pursue interests outside of architecture?
Yes, he was a prolific writer and poet, contributing to Evrensel newspaper and receiving the PEN Turkey Poetry Award and the Ceyhun Atuf Kansu Poetry Award.
Achievements
- Mimar Sinan Grand Award
- PEN Turkey Poetry Award
- Ceyhun Atuf Kansu Poetry Award
- Trained at Technical University of Munich
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