Sıddık Sami Onar facts for kids

Sıddık Sami Onar (born November 11, 1897, died August 9, 1972) was an important Turkish professor. He was an expert in administrative law, which is about how governments and public services work. He is remembered for being the first elected leader, or rector, of Istanbul University.

Who Was Sıddık Sami Onar?

Sıddık Sami Onar was a well-known Turkish academic. He spent his life studying and teaching about administrative law. This special area of law deals with how government agencies operate and how they interact with people.

Early Life and Education

Sıddık Sami Onar was born in Istanbul on November 11, 1897. His parents were Melekper and Abdullah Sami. He went to Vefa High School for his early education. After high school, he studied law at Istanbul University. Back then, the university was known as Darülfünun.

A Leader at Istanbul University

In 1925, after finishing his studies, Onar became a civil court judge in Istanbul. He also taught classes part-time at different schools. By 1933, he was made a full professor of administrative law. Just one year later, he became a distinguished professor and the dean of the law faculty.

In 1946, a new system began in Turkish universities. Leaders, or rectors, would now be chosen by election. Sıddık Sami Onar was elected as the very first rector of Istanbul University under this new system. He held this important position until 1963, with a few breaks.

Standing Up for Students

Sıddık Sami Onar was the rector of Istanbul University in 1960. This was just before a big change in Turkey's government.

Protests and His Injury

On April 28, 1960, students at Istanbul University held protests. They were upset about a new powerful group called the Committee of Inquest. This committee was created by the government at the time, the Democrat Party.

Police came onto the university campus to arrest the students. Professor Onar strongly disagreed with the police action. He reminded them that universities have a special independent status. This means police usually need permission to enter. He even spoke to the Minister of Interior, Namık Gedik. However, the police continued their operations. During the protests, Professor Onar was hurt on his head. He was also pulled along by the police.

After the Big Change

After the government was changed in 1960, Professor Onar was asked to help.

His Role and Protest

The new military leaders asked Professor Onar to lead a Science Committee. This committee was supposed to help write a new constitution for the country. However, the committee was later stopped.

On October 28, 1960, the military government made 147 professors retire. Professor Onar resigned from his job at the university to protest this decision. He wanted to show his disagreement. But soon after, the military leaders convinced him to return to his position as rector.