Nejat Eczacıbaşı facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı
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| Born | January 5, 1913 |
| Died | October 6, 1993 (aged 80) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
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| Resting place | Zincirlikuyu Cemetery |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Education | Chemistry, Biochemistry |
| Alma mater | Heidelberg University, University of Chicago, Humboldt University of Berlin, Kaiser Wilhelm Institute |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Organization | Eczacıbaşı Holding |
| Spouse(s) | Fatma Beyhan Ergene (1923–2004) |
| Children | Bülent (1949) Faruk (1954) |
| Parent(s) | Süleyman Ferit Eczacıbaşı (father) Saffet Hanım (mother) |
Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı (born January 5, 1913 – died October 6, 1993) was a famous Turkish chemist and businessman. He was also a philanthropist, meaning he loved to help people and good causes.
He came from the well-known Eczacıbaşı family in Turkey. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı started the Eczacıbaşı Group. This is a big company that makes many different things. These include medicines, personal care items, building materials, and more.
Contents
Early Life and Learning Journey
Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı was born in İzmir, a city in Turkey, on January 5, 1913. His father, Süleyman Ferit Eczacıbaşı, was a pharmacist. He was the first university-trained pharmacist in İzmir. The city even gave his father the special title "Eczacıbaşı," which means "chief pharmacist." Later, this became their family name.
Nejat went to school in İzmir. He then studied at Robert College in Istanbul. After that, he went to Germany to study chemistry at Heidelberg University. He earned his master's degree at University of Chicago in the US. Then, he got his doctorate degree in 1937 from Humboldt University of Berlin in Germany.
He continued his studies at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute. There, he researched hormones and vitamins. These studies helped him think scientifically about life and business. He believed that businesses should also help society. His father taught him this idea, saying, "Give back to your country what you take from it."
Building a Business Empire
After finishing his studies, Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı came back to Istanbul. In 1942, he started making vitamin medicines and baby food in a small lab. Ten years later, in 1952, he opened Turkey's first modern factory for medicines.
He wanted to help Turkish industry grow, just like his father did. From 1950 to 1990, he expanded the Eczacıbaşı Group. They started making building materials, tissue paper, and personal health products. They also got involved in finance and technology. He became a top industrialist in many areas.
His main goal was always to help create "a healthier society." He always used the best technology available. This helped him make products that met international standards.
Helping Society and Culture
Besides building businesses, Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı also worked to improve society in Turkey. He helped set up schools, business groups, research centers, and cultural foundations. He also created scholarship funds to help students.
In 1954, he helped start a business institute at Istanbul University. He also helped create the Turkish Management Association. In 1961, he founded a group for economic and social studies. This group later became a major research institute in Turkey.
Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı was the first president of the Turkish Educational Foundation. This foundation was started in 1966 to give scholarships to university students. He also served on the board of other important organizations. These included the Middle East Technical University and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. He was also a key founder of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association.
He believed that "The meaning of life is best understood through the arts." He also said, "The values which most uplift people are culture and the arts."
He made sure that every new business he started also contributed to culture, science, and education. Today, the Eczacıbaşı Group is known for connecting business with culture in Turkey.
In 1973, he helped create the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and the Arts. This was for the 50th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. Their goal was to make Istanbul a global center for culture. They started the yearly International Istanbul Arts Festivals. These festivals were so successful that UNESCO gave the foundation an award.
In 1978, he started the "Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı Foundation." This foundation gives scholarships to talented musicians. It also gives awards for cinema and graphic arts. It supports public schools and scientific research. The foundation also publishes books and collects modern Turkish paintings.
The Eczacibasi Sports Club was started in 1966 by Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı and his brother Şakir. This club has trained many young athletes. They have won many national and international championships. These include volleyball, basketball, and table tennis.
Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı always worked to improve life for future generations. He was happy to see his work help achieve these big goals.
He wrote a book called "Generation to Generation" (1982). It shares his memories of the early years of the Turkish Republic. It also talks about how Turkish industry grew. After he passed away, another book was published in 1994. It was called "Experiences and Expectations." This book shares the lessons he learned and the beliefs that guided his life.
Nejat Eczacıbaşı believed that true business success means making the whole community richer. He also said that lasting success needs hard work, taking risks, and new ideas. "Success comes not to those who choose the easy path," he said. "But to those who dare to embrace new ideas and progress." He lived by these strong beliefs.
Family Life and Passing
Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı married Fatma Beyhan Ergene in 1946. They had two sons, Bülent (born 1949) and Faruk (born 1954).
Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı passed away on October 6, 1993, in Philadelphia, USA. He had traveled there for a medical procedure. His body was brought back to Istanbul. He was buried at the Zincirlikuyu Cemetery.
Awards and Recognition
Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı received many honors for his work.
- In 1974, the Council of Europe honored him for the successful Istanbul International Music Festival he helped start.
- In 1975, he received the "Medal of Honor" from the Turkish Red Crescent.
- In 1976, he was given the Order of Merit by Germany.
- In 1983, the Turkish Chemistry Association honored him for his contributions to industry.
See also
- Istanbul International Music Festival
