Fahrettin Kerim Gökay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ord. Prof. Dr.
Fahrettin Kerim Gökay
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|---|---|
| Minister of Health and Social Security | |
| In office November 27, 1963 – December 25, 1963 |
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| Prime Minister | İsmet İnönü |
| Preceded by | Yusuf Azizoğlu |
| Succeeded by | Kemal Demir |
| Minister of Construction and Settlement | |
| In office July 1962 – November 27, 1963 |
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| Prime Minister | İsmet İnönü |
| Ambassador of Turkey to Switzerland | |
| In office November 23, 1957 – July 2, 1960 |
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| President | Celal Bayar |
| Preceded by | Faik Zihni Akdur |
| Succeeded by | Zeki Kuneralp |
| Governor and Mayor of Istanbul | |
| In office October 24, 1949 – November 26, 1957 |
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| Preceded by | Lütfi Kırdar |
| Succeeded by | Mümtaz Tarhan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 9, 1900 Eskişehir, Ottoman Empire |
| Died | July 22, 1987 (aged 87) Istanbul, Turkey |
| Citizenship | Turkish |
| Political party | New Turkey Party (1961) (YTP) |
| Education | Medicine |
| Alma mater | Istanbul University |
Fahrettin Kerim Gökay (born January 9, 1900 – died July 22, 1987) was an important Turkish doctor, professor, and politician. He served as a government minister and was well-known for being the governor of Istanbul for many years.
Early Life and Education
Fahrettin Kerim Gökay was born on January 9, 1900, in a city called Eskişehir. His father, Hajji Kerim Efendi, was from Crimea, and his mother, Hajji Azize Hanım, was an immigrant from Dobruja.
After finishing primary school in his hometown, he moved to Istanbul for high school. He then studied medicine at Istanbul University. He graduated as a doctor in 1922.
After becoming a doctor, he continued his studies in Europe. From 1922 to 1924, he studied at universities in Germany (Munich and Hamburg) and Austria (Vienna). He became a specialist in nerve diseases, also known as neuropathy.
In 1926, Gökay became an associate professor. He became a full professor in 1933 and then a "full professor" (Ord. Prof.) in 1942. He also led the Turkish Red Crescent, which is a big help organization.
Serving Istanbul
On October 24, 1949, Fahrettin Kerim Gökay became the governor and mayor of Istanbul. He took over from Lütfi Kırdar. He stayed in this important job until November 26, 1957.
As governor, he worked to help people in Istanbul. He set up price controls on basic foods to make sure they were affordable for everyone. In 1954, he helped start Migros Türk with a Swiss company. This company used sales trucks to deliver food, just like in Switzerland.
Gökay also helped Istanbul grow. He opened up new areas outside the old Walls of Constantinople for building homes and businesses. He also helped start about fifty new schools in Istanbul.
People sometimes called him "Küçük Vali," which means "Little Governor," because he was not very tall. He was a popular figure and often appeared in cartoons.
Diplomat and Politician
After his time as governor, Gökay became an ambassador. On November 23, 1957, he was sent to Switzerland to represent Turkey. He worked in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, until July 2, 1960.
In 1961, Gökay decided to enter politics. He joined the New Turkey Party (1961) and was elected as a representative for Istanbul in the parliament.
He became a government minister in the cabinet of İsmet İnönü. From July 1962, he was the Minister of Construction and Settlement. Then, from November 27 to December 25, 1963, he served as the Minister of Health and Social Security. He stopped working in politics in 1965.
Fahrettin Kerim Gökay passed away in Istanbul on July 22, 1987, when he was 87 years old.
His Legacy
Today, a main street in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul is named after him. There is also a high school in the Sefaköy area of Küçükçekmece district in Istanbul that carries his name.
