Prominent architect and academic Mustafa Pultar dies at 86

Mustafa Pultar, a retired professor at Middle East Technical University’s Faculty of Architecture, has died at 86. He was recognized for helping develop the institutional and theoretical foundations of architecture and building science in Turkey.

Pultar completed his undergraduate studies at Robert College’s School of Engineering in 1960, then earned master’s and doctoral degrees from Princeton University. He served in the Middle East Technical University architecture department from 1968 to 1991, contributing to the development of building science, environmental design and structural studies.

During his academic career, Pultar helped train numerous architects and academics. He served as deputy dean of the architecture faculty from 1970 to 1972 and as dean from 1978 to 1982. From 1982 to 1984, he led TÜBİTAK’s Building Research Institute.

His later responsibilities included teaching at Bilkent University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture and serving as the founding director of Bilkent Preparatory School, known as BUPS. His interdisciplinary work covered environment-behavior studies, building performance, value systems, maritime affairs and maritime culture.

Pultar’s funeral is scheduled to take place after afternoon prayers at Bostancı Kuloğlu Mosque, followed by burial in the family cemetery at İçerenköy Cemetery.