The unexpected loss of Doğan Cüceloğlu, the doyen of psychology whose passing plunged all of Turkey into mourning, deeply shook our Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, as it did everyone. As every death is untimely, Cüceloğlu’s passing to the divine was also so for Prof. Dr. Tarhan. Because this wonderful man of ideas had many more books to write, many more talks and conferences to inspire young people…
Lastly, they had found the opportunity to chat at length when they came together for Üsküdar Üniversitesi's 2nd High Human Values Award Ceremony. The late Cüceloğlu had been deemed worthy of the award 'for his personality, life, and work, which served as a role model for his colleagues and society.' He explained how much he valued the award presented to him by referring to 'the values nurtured in the family's child-rearing environment and the values present in the classroom and educational environment.' Because, according to him, these two values would determine the future of society. In this regard, being awarded with humanistic concepts had been a special source of happiness for Doğan Cüceloğlu.
Only a few days had passed since Cüceloğlu's new book, 'Var mısın?' (Are You In?), signed with his most sincere wishes and addressed to Prof. Dr. Tarhan, beginning with 'my dear friend,' reached his hands, when the sad news resonated throughout Turkey. Cüceloğlu, for whom even those who knew him only through his words and videos shared on social media shed tears, would now live on in hearts, serving as a role model for future generations with his ideas and works.
“I wish there had been so much sharing during his lifetime”
As Prof. Dr. Tarhan read his dear friend's latest work, which contained 'suggestions for a strong life,' he was both saddened and once again proud on behalf of his country for Cüceloğlu's unique contributions to the field of psychology. While stating that Cüceloğlu had produced 'words and works, all of which could be framed and hung' throughout his career, he emphasized the need to give values like Cüceloğlu the appreciation they deserve during their lifetime, saying, 'He rendered very important services to society. I wish there had been as much sharing during his lifetime as there is now. May his soul rest in peace.'
As members of the Üsküdar Üniversitesi family, we too pray for God's mercy upon our late Professor Doğan Cüceloğlu, and we acknowledge our debt of gratitude for his role in raising generations that will carry our country to a bright future…
Tahsin AKSU
For Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan's video message: