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Emeritus Professor Oya Basak, a founding academic of Bogazici University and a towering figure in Türkiye’s English literature education, has passed away at the age of 88. A beloved and influential educator, Basak died following a battle with spinal cancer. She had also been coping with serious visual impairments over the past two years.
Her funeral will take place following noon prayers at Bebek Mosque.
Oya Basak began her tenure at Bogazici University in 1971—the year the university was founded following the transformation of Robert College into a public institution. She led the department of English language and literature for an impressive 22 years and played a central role in shaping the university’s academic culture. Her early teaching experience began even before Bogazici’s foundation, at the historic Robert College.
Known for her sharp intellect, sense of humor, and inspirational teaching style, Basak left a lasting mark on generations of students.
"She was the professor of professors and a truly vibrant personality," said Canan Kadioglu, a member of the Board of Trustees at the Bogazici University Alumni Association (BUMED) and Prof. Basak’s cousin. "With her laughter and wit, she made every class unforgettable. She was a legend of an era. With her passing, that era has come to an end."
Her brother, Murat Kaynar, remembered Basak as a devoted academic who placed her students and country above all else.
"She was a very special person," he said. "Even after leaving the university years ago, she continued to teach as an emeritus professor. Wherever I went, people would say, 'Oya Basak was our professor,' and that always made me proud."
Former Bogazici University Rector Professor Ustun Erguder shared his memories of Basak, whom he had known since their high school years.
"Oya and I go way back. She studied at the American College for Girls in Arnavutkoy, while I graduated from Robert College," Erguder said. "We later became colleagues at Bogazici. She was one of the pillars of our academic community. Sadly, she was banned from entering the university in recent years, and that deeply saddened me. What made her a true legend of Bogazici was her unwavering devotion."
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