Hulusi BEHÇET

Hulusi Behçet (1889-1948) was a Turkish dermatologist and scientist. Behçet is particularly known for his description of Behçet's disease, which is named after him and affects blood vessels.

Who is Hulusi Behçet?

Hulusi Behçet was born on February 20, 1889 in Istanbul. After completing his medical education at Gülhane Military Medical Academy, he specialized in dermatology and sexually transmitted diseases. Between 1914 and 1918, during World War I, he served as a dermatology and venereal disease specialist at the military hospital in Edirne. After the war, he studied in European cities such as Budapest and Berlin to increase his medical knowledge. After returning to Turkey, he worked as chief physician at the Hasköy Hospital for Sexual Diseases, and later moved to the Foundation Gureba Hospital, where he became a professor at the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine. In 1933, he played an important role in the establishment of Istanbul University and was appointed professor of dermatology. Behçet was the first person to receive the title of professor in Turkish academia.

Behçet's Disease

Hulusi Behçet is known for his contributions to dermatology, an important branch of medicine, and his most important discovery is Behçet's disease. In 1937, he described Behçet's disease, a disease that affects blood vessels and is now known by his name. The disease is characterized by sores on the mouth and skin, eye inflammation and various signs of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels). Behçet's description of this disease led to a breakthrough that would revolutionize medicine. This disease, which has made a great impact, especially abroad, is still one of the focal points of medical research today.

Impact and Legacy

Hulusi Behçet is a scientist recognized not only in Turkey but also worldwide for his contributions to the world of medicine. Prof. Philipp Schwartz, one of Germany's renowned pathologists, stated that Behçet was famous worldwide but not sufficiently recognized in Turkey. Behçet's scientific career was characterized by his participation in international congresses, writing many original articles and publishing in different languages. He also made great contributions to the development of Turkish medicine, serving as the editor-in-chief of the journal "Turkish Archives of Dermatology and Syphilology" in 1924. Behçet participated in many national and international congresses and presented original articles and translated many important medical works into Turkish during his freelance years. His studies on diseases such as syphilis and leishmaniasis improved the treatment and diagnosis methods of these diseases. He left a great legacy for the development of Turkish medicine.

Behçet's legacy lives on not only through his scientific discoveries and contributions, but also through his pioneering work in medical education and publishing. Turkish dermatology and

Hulusi Behçet, who had an important place in the development of medicine, left an unforgettable mark in the world of science.