We are deeply saddened by the passing of our honorary partner, distinguished member of our team, our master, Senior Engineer Architect Mehmed Neşet Arolat, on November 1, 2023. We send our greetings and love to all our friends who have expressed their condolences and have stood by us during this tough time.
On this occasion, we would like to share the feelings of our colleagues from the EAA team about him with you.
“At 4:00 PM today, Neşet Bey didn’t call me. “Neşet Bey, you didn’t call me today. Why didn’t you call?” These thoughts cross my mind every time I approach your desk… I suppose I haven’t fully comprehended or perhaps I’m not yet ready to accept that you won’t be working with me anymore, that you won’t call me.
For everything you have taught me, for granting me the opportunity to have a colleague like you, and for patiently answering my compelling questions every day without any sign of weariness, I thank you. Rest in peace.
Your student, Eylül.”
Eylül Büyük
“What a great fortune of starting my career alongside him, I realized this from the very first day. I remember him among the meticulously drawn details as if embroidery, stacks of graph paper, and those magnificent drawing tools that I only saw him use—I will never forget him.
It is impossible not to admire his magnificent heart, his kindness, and the radiant energy he emanated. Adjusting to the fact that he will no longer come to the office will not be easy, but his memory and teachings will continue to live on in many individuals, like me, whom he raised.”
İdris Ayar
“Each day, without fail, Neşet Bey would faithfully arrive at the office at 2:00 PM, meticulously arranging his rulers before embarking on his intricate drawings. Emre would approach him with a kiss, and if someone inquired, “How are you?” he would respond with exuberance, saying, “I’m bombastic!” At times, I would catch the faint sound of his eraser or the rhythm of his footsteps.
Bearing witness to your routines, discipline, and infectious joy was an immense wellspring of inspiration for me. It was a privilege to have known you. May you find eternal rest in radiant light.
And as for us, we fervently hope that we have absorbed and internalized all the invaluable lessons you imparted upon us…”
Gözde Dalaklı
“I had the privilege of working with Neşet Bey for a total of 17 years, from 2006 to 2023. It was like an apprenticeship for me, and I learned so much about the field of architecture from him. No amount of gratitude can truly express my appreciation. I know that I will miss him deeply. With boundless love and respect.”
Deniz Kösemen
“I have known Neşet Bey since my childhood. When I was around 7 or 8 years old, I used to visit Arolat Architecture’s Etiler office with my sister. I would watch Neşet Bey in awe as he worked. He was truly a remarkable person, deeply passionate about his profession, dedicated to his work, sincere, humble, and never hurting anyone. Having worked together in the office for the past 13 years, I consider myself incredibly fortunate. Neşet Bey has left us with unforgettable memories that will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Sema İçten
“Your character, which blended politeness, diligence, and discipline, has always been a guiding light for us. It was truly wonderful to know you and work with you.”
Ecem Ezmeci
“It hasn’t been a long time since I joined the team; I don’t know you well. However, I remember every time we would leave the office in the evening, and despite my insistence for you to leave the elevator first, you would always say, “Please, go ahead sweetheart. Good evening.” It lingers in my mind. In the cycle of Life-Death-Life, you may transform into a bird or a butterfly, but I am certain you will still visit us with your gracious demeanor.”
Özge Karlık
“Describing the privilege of working side by side with Neşet Bey in the office is difficult. Before the pandemic, observing his presence at his desk every morning at 9:00 AM felt like learning the true meaning of discipline and passion. Even being five minutes late was reason enough to apologize because he understood the value of time better than anyone. Throughout his life, he generously shared the knowledge and experience he acquired with us. Until his final days, with his tireless spirit, he would sit at his desk, pick up his pen, and continue designing the intricacies of the projects we envisioned. Neşet Bey was not just an architect; he was also a teacher, a guide. Every moment spent with him strengthened our love for this profession and taught us what it truly means to build not just structures, but lives.”
Rüyet Sefercioğlu
MEHMED NEŞET AROLAT’S BIOGRAPHY
Neşet Arolat completed his education at Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Architecture in 1958. During his studies, he worked at the offices of Kadri Eroğan and Yılmaz Sanlı, he won awards in architectural project competitions. After graduation, he worked at Werner Gabriel’s office in Stuttgart for about a year.
In 1961, together with Şaziment Arolat, he founded Arolat Architecture in Ankara. In 1968, they moved the firm to Istanbul and during this period, they carried out significant architectural projects such as the Ankara Air Force Hospital and SSK Etlik Hospital.
Between 1961 and 1986, together with Şaziment Arolat, they won 10 first prizes in various architectural project competitions, and 9 of these projects were built.
Starting from 1986, with the participation of their son Emre Arolat in Arolat Architecture, more than 50 projects were carried out locally and internationally within the firm until 2004.
Neşet Arolat continued his work as an Honorary Partner at Emre Arolat Architecture from 2008 until his death on November 1, 2023. He was a member of the Chamber of Architects of Turkey, the Istanbul Association of Freelance Architects, and the Galatasaray Sports Club Advisory Board.
WE FONDLY REMEMBER WITH LONGING…
