Turkish academic community mourns loss of political scientist Fuat Keyman
Prominent political scientist Fuat Keyman speaking at an event at Gaziantep University, Türkiye, December 2, 2022. (Photo via Gaziantep University)
The academic world has lost one of its most distinguished members. Professor Fuat Keyman, a political scientist, writer, vice president of Sabanci University and a key figure in the Turkish academic world passed away at the age of 65.
Keyman, who was also a member of the Science Academy Society of Türkiye and a professor in the international relations department at Sabanci University, passed away due to cancer after a period of treatment.
Keyman was well-known not only for his academic work but also for his contributions to social and political discussions in Türkiye. He held multiple roles, including serving as the director of the Istanbul Policy Center.
His areas of expertise spanned democratization, globalization, international relations, Türkiye-EU relations and Turkish foreign policy, all of which earned him recognition both nationally and internationally.
Fuat Keyman’s academic journey, contributions
Keyman completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the Middle East Technical University (ODTU) in Ankara and earned his Ph.D. in international relations and comparative politics from Carleton University in Canada in 1991.
He taught at Bilkent University from 1994 to 2002 and at Koc University from 2002 to 2010, before joining Sabanci University, where he held a pivotal role in the institution’s academic and societal development efforts.
Keyman contributed significantly to discussions on Türkiye’s democratization and modernization. He was frequently involved with various think tanks and academic platforms, sharing his analyses of Türkiye’s social and political issues. His insights extended beyond the classroom, reaching the public through newspaper columns, television programs and international conferences.
Life dedicated to scholarship, public engagement
Throughout his career, Keyman received numerous accolades for his academic achievements. Notably, in 2013, he was awarded the Strategic Vision Award by TASAM for his contributions as a visionary scholar.
He was also a member of advisory boards for several national and international organizations and served on the editorial boards of many respected academic journals.
Keyman’s death marks a significant loss for both Turkish academia and the broader international scholarly community. His contributions, particularly in the fields of international relations and globalization, have left a lasting impact, and his legacy will continue to influence future generations of scholars and students.
