imkanlar
03
Dec 2024
First non-Military Headmaster Mehmed Refik Fenmen’s biography published by Res. Assist. Hande Vural Çelik, Assoc. Prof. Burak Barutçu and Prof. Dr. Aytekin Çökelez

Titled Mehmed Refik Fenmen, the book provides a detailed exploration of his life, focusing on his pivotal contributions to the School of Engineering and his dedication to education. This biography, published as part of the Istanbul Technical University’s (İTÜ) 250th-anniversary activities, highlights Fenmen’s enduring influence in advancing science, technology, and education.

 

Refik Fenmen thought science was for everyone and wrote works on the most up-to-date science topics at a level the public could understand. He wrote 13 popular science books at a level that everyone could understand and prepared the first popular science journal of the Republic of Türkiye; Fen Âlemi Journal, and published it for 24 issues in 1925-1926. Refik Fenmen, who published 56 articles in 10 journals, also combined some of these articles into a book.

 

He organized open lectures and discussions at community centres to educate the public. His books served as study resources for individuals preparing for electrical technician exams, contributing to public employment efforts.

 

Refik Fenmen played a crucial role in training numerous engineers and promoting public employment to help establish modern Turkey. He held various positions, including member of parliament, director of Istanbul Industry, director of the Zonguldak mining district, director of bus operations, and high school teacher. Fenmen worked tirelessly to develop the country, striving to create a prosperous and self-sufficient nation in line with Atatürk's vision.