The world lost a true gentleman and a scholar–an aristocrat of the highest order—in early 2004 when Metin Tamkoc passed away in Istanbul, Turkey. One of his colleagues described him as having “possessed a rare combination of urbanity, seriousness of purpose, and good humor. He treated students and faculty alike with deep respect and pursued the highest standards of scholarship.”

The involvement of Metin Tamkoc in international affairs spanned more than three decades. Born September 2, 1926, in Ankara, Turkey, he was a graduate of the University of Istanbul School of Law in 1950. He received an M.A. in international relations from the University of Maryland in 1955 and a Ph.D. in International Law from Georgetown University in 1960. He did postgraduate work in international law at The Hague. From 1964–1966 he was a Fulbright Scholar and from 1967–1968 a Fellow of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. While at Middle Eastern Technical University (METU) in Ankara, he served as chairman of the department of public administration, dean of the school of administrative sciences, and assistant president of the University. He served in the Turkish Armed Forces Command in Korea and was a translator and interpreter for the American Military Mission in Ankara and for the U.S. Department of State. Metin also served as a writer, translator, producer, and announcer for Voice of America and worked with the Peace Corps.

In 1964, Metin came to Texas Tech University as a visiting professor. He became a professor in the department of political science in 1966, serving until his retirement in 1994. He taught International Law, International Organization and Politics, International Relations, and Governments and Politics of the Middle East. He was the author of numerous articles in English and Turkish, as well as eight books or monographs, including International Civil War (1967), The Warrior Diplomats: Guardians of the National Security and Modernization of Turkey (1976), and The Turkish Cypriot State (1988).

In 1985, as the result of his extensive contributions in international law and politics, Metin was awarded the title of “Professor” in all 27 Turkish universities by the Board of Presidents of Turkish Universities. His passing leaves a tremendous void among the voices of understanding between the Middle East and the West. One of his former graduate students described his death in terms of “an overwhelming sadness and devastating loss to the voices of reason in the world of international relations.”

Metin was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Ayse. He is survived by his son, Ali, of Virginia and his wife of Cesme, Turkey. To recognize Metin and his tremendous contributions to Texas Tech University and the international community, there will be a tree planting in his honor at the International Cultural Center. To participate, you may send your contribution to Metin Tamkoc Memorial, Box 43103, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3103. (Checks should be made out to “Trees for Tech.”) The date and time of the planting ceremony will be announced, and all contributors will be notified directly.