Vedat Dalokay

Vedat Dalokay (10 November 1927 – 21 March 1991) was a Turkish architect and a former mayor of Ankara. He was known for his important work in designing buildings and helping to shape the city. Dalokay’s designs were used in many places, making him a well-respected figure in both architecture and public service.

Early life and education

Vedat Dalokay was born in Elazığ in 1927. He grew up in an Alevi Kurdish family that moved from Pertek. Dalokay finished his elementary and secondary school in Elazığ before moving to Istanbul for college. He studied architecture at the Istanbul Technical University and graduated in 1949. After graduating, he worked for the Ministry of Works and the Post and Telecommunications Department. In 1950, he went to Paris to study city planning at the Sorbonne University in France, but he did not finish those studies.

Career

Vedat Dalokay became the mayor of Ankara in the 1973 Turkish local elections, representing the Republican People's Party. During his time as mayor, he asked the Soviet Union for help to create public transportation and affordable housing in Ankara. In 1977, Dalokay and other mayors from the same party made a statement about social municipalism. He remained mayor until the 1977 Turkish local elections, after which another party member, Ali Dinçer, took over the position.

Awards and work

Vedat Dalokay received many awards for his work in Turkey and also internationally. One of his notable international projects was for the Islamic Development Bank in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 1981.

He designed the Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara, though the original design was not used. Later, a changed version of his design was the basis for the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. In Pakistan, he also worked on other projects, including the Summit Minar in Lahore, and had a big influence on Pakistani architecture.

Death

Vedat Dalokay and his wife Ayçe Dalokay passed away in a traffic accident near Kırıkkale on 21 March 1991. Their son Barış Dalokay, who was also injured in the accident, passed away a few days later.