Koç Üniversitesi Vehbi Koç Ankara Araştırmaları Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi

1994 marked a pivotal moment for Ankara’s history. Koç Üniversitesi Vehbi Koç Ankara Araştırmaları Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi (VEKAM) opened its doors in Keçiören. This research center, dedicated to Vehbi Koç, aimed to delve into Ankara’s social, institutional, and economic past. Koç Üniversitesi Vehbi Koç Ankara Araştırmaları Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi sought to compile every piece of information and document related to Ankara, making it accessible to researchers. The center quickly became a hub for academic studies on the city’s cultural and cultural heritage. Koç Üniversitesi Vehbi Koç Ankara Araştırmaları Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi has hosted numerous conferences, symposiums, exhibitions, and special programs. These activities further enrich Ankara’s intellectual landscape and promote deeper understanding of the city’s multifaceted history. VEKAM operates within a building known as the Ankara Baş Evi, or “Gedikoğlu Başı.” Vehbi Koç spent a significant portion of his life in Ankara at this house. His children were born there. It was originally built in the early 1900s by Ali Gedikoğlu. Semahat Arsel later donated the house to the Vehbi Koç Foundation. Restored between 1992 and 1993, the house embodies a unique blend of architectural and historical significance. Koç Üniversitesi Vehbi Koç Ankara Araştırmaları Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi contains a vast library and archive, including rare books, maps, photographs, and card collections. The resources are available to researchers focusing on various aspects of Ankara. These include urban planning, architecture, social history, cultural history, educational history, urban sociology, anthropology, and economic history. The library holds nearly 15,000 printed sources, offering a wealth of knowledge for those seeking to understand Ankara’s intricate story. Koç Üniversitesi Vehbi Koç Ankara Araştırmaları Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi also publishes a peer-reviewed journal, Ankara Araştırmaları Dergisi. It has been published every six months since 2013. This scholarly publication further cements VEKAM’s role as a leading center for Ankara studies. In 2014, VEKAM became part of Koç University. This transition marked a significant step in its evolution into a prominent academic research center. Koç Üniversitesi Vehbi Koç Ankara Araştırmaları Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi represents a vital resource for researchers, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Ankara’s past.