Professor Dr. Fuat Keyman, an influential scholar in the fields of International Relations and democratisation has passed away. Known for his support of women’s civil society groups and his dedication to combating violence against women in Turkey, Keyman’s contributions are remembered through the reflections of three women.
Professor Dr. Fuat Keyman, a prominent figure in the fields of international relations and democracy has passed away. Known for supporting women’s civil society organizations to achieve gender equality and pioneering various projects to combat violence against women, Fuat Keyman is remembered through the reflections of three women.
Through an interdisciplinary approach in the social sciences, Keyman offered a unique perspective on both local and global issues. His work made significant contributions to Turkey’s democratic development, the empowerment of civil society, and the country’s stance on the international stage.
We have gathered the reflections of his friends and colleagues.
“Fuat Was an Intellectual with an Activist Spirit”
Gülseren Onanç, Chair of the SES Equality and Solidarity Association, said, “Fuat was a friend who guided and encouraged me at the start of my civil society journey. From him, I learned the importance of active citizenship and civil society for a community. When I was elected as the president of Kagider (a non-governmental organization aimed at strengthening women entrepreneurs in Turkey) in 2007, Fuat became my first advisor. Together, we explored how to maintain a balanced relationship with the state and protect genuine democracy, and I learned a lot from him about the role of civil society and the European Union. He was more than just an academic; he was an intellectual with an activist spirit.
In my political journey, Fuat was also an advisor, a political scientist whose wisdom and conscience I deeply trusted. We were discussing a new project to bring the EU back to the agenda. His efforts to strengthen civil society, support women’s organizations, and build social peace were invaluable. He continued to work until his last days.
I am deeply saddened by his early departure. We will strive to bring to life the democratic Turkey he dreamed of.”
He Supported Important Efforts to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence
Associate Professor Sevgi Uçan Çubukçu, a political scientist, reflected on Keyman’s academic stance on gender equality for the SES Equality and Justice Women’s Platform.
She noted, “Fuat Keyman was one of the first names that came to mind in Turkey when considering concepts like participatory democracy, equal citizenship, diversity, identity, recognition, democratization of democracy, equality, and civil society.” This insight highlights how Keyman emphasized that relying solely on class analyses from Marxist thought or individual-focused analyses from liberal thought was insufficient for addressing women’s issues and gender inequality. While his political science articles and research might not directly cover gender and women’s studies, he saw gender inequality as a priority in building a democratic society.
At Sabancı University, as Vice President, Keyman supported crucial efforts to eradicate gender-based violence. He made significant contributions to implementing the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) initiatives to reduce gender-based violence in Turkey, which operates in over 150 countries. Under the “Business Against Domestic Violence” Project, he conducted in partnership with the Sabancı Foundation and the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD). Keyman played a pivotal role as Sabancı University’s Vice President for Institutional Affairs and Social Impact in founding the “Network of Companies Against Domestic Violence.” This network, involving around 100 companies, aimed to incorporate mechanisms for preventing and addressing domestic violence within corporate processes, raise awareness on women’s human rights, and promote good practices in gender equality.”
Trust and Value
In her piece for Medyascope, academic Cana Tülüş tried to sum up Professor Dr. Fuat Keyman in two words: “trust” and “value.” Explaining these terms, she highlighted the profound impact he had on those around him:
“Professor Fuat Keyman trusted young people. He dedicated time to them, guided them, and supported their careers. After his passing, dozens of former students and colleagues paid their respects, and social media posts showcased the lives he touched, his mentorship, and his unwavering belief in youth.
As a professor, he was deeply committed to his students, organizing his schedule around his classes without compromise. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time for them, prioritizing their needs. He attended his last class even while unwell, demonstrating his respect for education and his students.
After taking over the Istanbul Policy Center (IPC) in 2011, he set a new goal each year, strengthening it to its current influence. He created a platform for academics, NGOs, and students to engage, contributing locally and globally. Professor Keyman believed in science and saw the world through an academic lens.
His life was dedicated to quality, evidence-based, and independent research. He viewed issues from a broad perspective, spotting facets we missed and solving them. He was a living testament to what a scholar should be. His stance in academia has shown us the way.”
We will always remember Fuat Keyman, a supporter of the SES Equality and Solidarity Association since its founding, with respect and gratitude.