What is an Honorary Doctorate?
An honorary doctorate (honoris causa) is an academic degree awarded by universities to individuals who have made valuable contributions to society, science, art, literature, or other significant fields. Rather than being based on academic achievement, this degree is granted in recognition of services such as societal impact, innovative projects, scientific research, or groundbreaking work in the arts and literature.
At Necmettin Erbakan University, we take pride in awarding honorary doctorate degrees to individuals who have made significant contributions to society and the academic and scientific community. This title is intended to honor their efforts and to promote broader recognition of their work within society. It also serves as a means of strengthening our ties with individuals who reflect the values of our university
Honorary Doctorate Recipients
2013
Rıfat Oral
In accordance with Decision No. 2013/06-04 dated 08.05.2013, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Necmettin Erbakan University in recognition of hi...
2013
Rıfat Oral
In accordance with Decision No. 2013/06-04 dated 08.05.2013, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Necmettin Erbakan University in recognition of his valuable contributions to Islamic law and religious education
2015
Hasan Celal Güzel
Born in 1945, Hasan Celal Güzel was a statesman who held prominent positions in Turkish politics and public administration. After graduating from the...
2015
Hasan Celal Güzel
Born in 1945, Hasan Celal Güzel was a statesman who held prominent positions in Turkish politics and public administration. After graduating from the Faculty of Political Sciences at Ankara University, he worked in various public institutions before getting into active politics. Recognized for his contributions to key political and administrative reforms in Turkey during the late 20th century, Güzel served in important positions such as Minister of State and Minister of National Education. He also contributed to public life as a writer and journalist, helping to raise public awareness on political, cultural, and social issues. By the Rector’s Office, Hasan Celal GÜZEL was awarded an honorary doctorate for his valuable contributions to Turkish history and national culture, in accordance with Decision No. 2015/03-22 dated 06.03.2015
2015
Mehmet Genç
Born in 1934, Mehmet Genç was an internationally respected historian specializing in Ottoman economic history. He studied at the Faculty of Letters at...
2015
Mehmet Genç
Born in 1934, Mehmet Genç was an internationally respected historian specializing in Ottoman economic history. He studied at the Faculty of Letters at Istanbul University, where he also began his academic career. Through his in-depth studies of the Ottoman economic structure and fiscal policies, he made significant contributions to historical scholarships. Genç authored numerous influential works and earned wide recognition within academic circles for his research on Ottoman history. By the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, Mehmet Genç was awarded an honorary doctorate for his valuable contributions to Turkish economic history, in accordance with Decision No. 2015/03-22 dated 06.03.2015.
2015
Ahmet Hatipoğlu
By the Faculty of Fine Arts, Ahmet Hatipoğlu was awarded an honorary doctorate for his valuable contributions to Turkish Sufi music, in accordance wit...
2015
Ahmet Hatipoğlu
By the Faculty of Fine Arts, Ahmet Hatipoğlu was awarded an honorary doctorate for his valuable contributions to Turkish Sufi music, in accordance with Decision No. 2015/03-22 dated 06.03.2015.
2015
Ahmet Çalışır
In accordance with Decision No. 2015/03-22 dated 06.03.2015, Ahmet Çalışır was awarded an honorary doctorate by our university in recognition of his v...
2015
Ahmet Çalışır
In accordance with Decision No. 2015/03-22 dated 06.03.2015, Ahmet Çalışır was awarded an honorary doctorate by our university in recognition of his valuable contributions to Turkish folk music and cultural heritage
2015
Ahmet Özhan
Born in 1950, Ahmet Özhan is one of the most beloved and respected artists of Turkish classical music. He began his music education at a young age at...
2015
Ahmet Özhan
Born in 1950, Ahmet Özhan is one of the most beloved and respected artists of Turkish classical music. He began his music education at a young age at the Istanbul Municipal Conservatory and quickly gained a wide audience with his powerful voice and expressive style. In addition to classical Turkish music, he has made significant contributions to Turkish Sufi music and has played a major role in its popularization. Known not only for his artistry but also for his efforts in preserving cultural heritage, Özhan is highly esteemed both in Turkey and internationally. By the Faculty of Fine Arts, Ahmet Özhan was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his valuable contributions to Turkish Sufi music, in accordance with Decision No. 2015/03-22 dated 06.03.2015
2015
Niyazi Sayın
Born in 1927, Niyazi Sayın is one of the legends of Turkish music. Recognized as a master ney player and composer, Sayın is among the most important r...
2015
Niyazi Sayın
Born in 1927, Niyazi Sayın is one of the legends of Turkish music. Recognized as a master ney player and composer, Sayın is among the most important representatives of traditional Turkish music. He received his education at the Istanbul Municipal Conservatory and trained many students throughout his artistic career. He made significant contributions to the international promotion and dissemination of Turkish music. Sayın holds a special place in our cultural landscape through his artistry and pro By the Faculty of Fine Arts, Niyazi Sayın was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his valuable contributions to Turkish Sufi music, in accordance with Decision No. 2015/03-22 dated 06.03.2015
2015
Sadreddin Özçimi
Born in 1955, Sadrettin Özçimi is one of Turkey’s leading artists and academics in the field of music. A graduate of the Istanbul Technical University...
2015
Sadreddin Özçimi
Born in 1955, Sadrettin Özçimi is one of Turkey’s leading artists and academics in the field of music. A graduate of the Istanbul Technical University Turkish Music State Conservatory, Özçimi is recognized as a master ney player. He has undertaken significant efforts to preserve traditional Turkish music and transmit it to future generations. With both his artistic identity and academic career, Özçimi is highly respected in the world of culture and art. By the Faculty of Fine Arts, Sadreddin Özçimi was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his valuable contributions to Turkish Sufi music, in accordance with Decision No. 2015/03-22 dated 06.03.2015.
2019
Metin Kıratlı
Born in 1969, Metin Kıratlı graduated from the Faculty of Law at Ankara University. He has served in public administration for many years and currentl...
2019
Metin Kıratlı
Born in 1969, Metin Kıratlı graduated from the Faculty of Law at Ankara University. He has served in public administration for many years and currently holds the position of Head of Administrative Affairs at the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye. Known for his extensive knowledge and experience in public administration and law, Kıratlı has also conducted academic research and given lectures at various universities. He is one of the country’s leading bureaucrats. In accordance with Decision No. 2019/02-27 dated 27.02.2019, an honorary doctorate was awarded to Metin KIRATLI, Head of Administrative Affairs of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye
2019
Mustafa Sonay Gürgen
In accordance with Decision No. 2019/02-35 dated 27.02.2019, an honorary doctorate was awarded to Mustafa Sonay GÜRGEN, Chairman of the Board of Direc...
2019
Mustafa Sonay Gürgen
In accordance with Decision No. 2019/02-35 dated 27.02.2019, an honorary doctorate was awarded to Mustafa Sonay GÜRGEN, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ahmet and Nezahat Keleşoğlu Foundation and Selçuk Ecza Deposu A.Ş
2021
Hüseyin Kutlu
Born in 1949, Hüseyin Kutlu completed his undergraduate education in the Department of Philosophy at the Faculty of Letters, Istanbul University. He r...
2021
Hüseyin Kutlu
Born in 1949, Hüseyin Kutlu completed his undergraduate education in the Department of Philosophy at the Faculty of Letters, Istanbul University. He received his certification in sülüs and nesih calligraphy from Hamid Aytaç and studied taʿlīq script under Uğur Derman. Between 1976 and 2002, he served as the imam of the Hekimoğlu Ali Pasha Mosque, where he worked on restoring the mosque, its fountain, tomb, library, and graveyard. After retiring in 2002, he continued his project “The Mosque as the Center of Islamic Civilization” through the BİKSAD Art Workshop. He currently teaches Islamic calligraphy and Ottoman Turkish and gives seminars on Islamic arts. In accordance with Decision No. 2021/10-33 dated 27.09.2021, an honorary doctorate was awarded to Hüseyin KUTLU, master calligrapher and a leading figure in the art of Islamic calligraphy.
2021
Muammer Semih İrteş
Born in 1952, Muammer Semih İrteş graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at the Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts. He learned the art of kalemiş...
2021
Muammer Semih İrteş
Born in 1952, Muammer Semih İrteş graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at the Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts. He learned the art of kalemişi (ornamental painting) from his father and mentor, Sabri İrteş. Between 1973 and 1980, he participated in tezhip (illumination) projects under Prof. Dr. Süheyl Ünver and received certification from him. He has worked on the restoration and decoration of many mosques both in Turkey and abroad. Since the 1970s, he has been involved in restoration projects at Topkapı Palace. In 2008, he founded the Nakkaş Decorative Arts Center in the Valide-i Atik Complex in Üsküdar. For over forty years, he has practiced the art of kalemişi and continues his work at the Nakkaş Center. In accordance with Decision No. 2021/10-33 dated 27.09.2021, an honorary doctorate was awarded to Muammer Semih İRTEŞ, master kalemişi artist
2021
Yılmaz Akçil
Born in 1968, Yılmaz Akçil graduated from the Faculty of Law at Ankara University in 1989. He completed his master’s degree at Cumhuriyet University w...
2021
Yılmaz Akçil
Born in 1968, Yılmaz Akçil graduated from the Faculty of Law at Ankara University in 1989. He completed his master’s degree at Cumhuriyet University with a thesis titled “Suspension of Execution in Turkish Administrative Jurisdiction.” He served as a member of tax courts in Sivas and Mersin, as well as a judge and later president of administrative courts in Erzurum. In 2011, he was appointed a member of the Council of State and served as President of the Turkish Justice Academy from 2014 to 2018. In 2018, he became President of the Tenth Chamber of the Council of State. Akçil is married and has four children. In accordance with Decision No. 2021/10-33 dated 27.09.2021, an honorary doctorate was awarded to Yılmaz AKÇİL, President of the Tenth Chamber of the Council of State
2025
Nurten Öztürk
In recognition of her support for women entrepreneurs through TOBB in our country and her contributions to social responsibility projects, an Honorary...
2025
Nurten Öztürk
In recognition of her support for women entrepreneurs through TOBB in our country and her contributions to social responsibility projects, an Honorary Doctorate in the field of Management and Organization was awarded to Nurten ÖZTÜRK by the decision of our University Senate dated 04.03.2025 and numbered 2025/03-08.