Turgut Tümer passed away far too soon while he was still actively contributing to society and maintaining his productivity. He was a distinguished scholar who made multifaceted and invaluable contributions to the academic community in Türkiye.

Having received his PhD from the University of Manchester in 1980, Turgut Tümer became an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Middle East Technical University (METU) in 1985 and a full professor in 1992. From 1985 to 1990, he served as a faculty member at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia.

His research focused primarily on mechanisms, dynamics of machinery, and biomechanics. Through a series of projects in the 1990s, he pioneered the development of Türkiye’s first—and at the time, only—gait analysis system. As an educator, he was exceptionally successful and deeply admired by his students. He embraced every aspect of his teaching with extraordinary meticulousness, devoting incredible time and effort to the smallest details. A definitive characteristic of him was that he served as a true role model for his students through his personality and conduct.

Among the administrative roles he undertook, his tenure as an Associate Vice President at TÜBİTAK (2001–2004) stands out. During this period, he assumed significant responsibilities regarding Türkiye’s participation in the EU 6th Framework Programme and spearheaded the “Vision 2023” project, an initiative of great importance to Türkiye. Turgut Tümer’s most significant administrative role was his tenure as the Rector of METU Northern Cyprus Campus from 2006 to 2016, a position he held with great success. His long-standing and dedicated efforts over a period spanning more than a decade played a crucial role in shaping the institutional identity of the METU Northern Cyprus Campus.

Turgut Tümer was a self-sacrificing, humble, and affectionate person who was always ready to help others. He possessed a strong sense of ethics and exceptional professional ethics. The dedication he demonstrated in both his personal and professional life was beyond all expectations.

My acquaintance with Turgut Tümer began at Ankara Atatürk High School. Later, we were together throughout our undergraduate years in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at METU and our doctoral studies at the University of Manchester. We served together as faculty members in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at METU for many decades, until his passing.

Turgut was my closest friend for 59 years. It is difficult to put into words what all those years spent together, the friendship we shared, and the countless memories we created mean to me.

His students, colleagues, and the countless academics whose lives he touched will always remember him.

Prof. Dr. H. Nevzat Özgüven