Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering B-C Block

Deep within the halls of the Middle East Technical University (METU), a silent hum resonates within the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering B-C Block. This isn’t the hum of machinery, but the echo of generations of innovation. The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering B-C Block, established in 1964, stands as a testament to the vision of Mustafa Parlar, the department’s founding chairperson. Initially, the department was housed near the “new” Turkish Grand National Assembly building, in a space no larger than a small classroom. But by 1964, the department had found its home within the B-C Block on the METU campus, its first three graduating classes already making their mark on the world. The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering B-C Block wasn’t just a place of learning; it was a crucible forging a new generation of Turkish engineers. In the early days, resources were scarce, faculty members were few, and much of the teaching was done by government officials and engineers on loan from the armed forces. Despite these challenges, a strong foundation was laid, driven by the unwavering commitment of Mustafa Parlar. The department emphasized self-sufficiency. It invested in young talent, nurturing its own faculty by encouraging doctoral programs and fostering academic motivation among its students. This foresight paid off. By the 1980s, the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering B-C Block had cultivated its own world-class academic staff, setting the stage for groundbreaking research and development. The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering B-C Block also fostered a close relationship with industry, particularly with ASELSAN, a pioneer in the Turkish national defense industry. This collaboration provided vital real-world experience for students and faculty alike, leading to the development of numerous high-technology projects. The department’s graduates played key roles in the burgeoning Turkish electrical and electronics industry, driving innovation and establishing companies both within Turkey and abroad. The legacy of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering B-C Block is not just etched in the annals of METU, but in the very fabric of modern Turkey.