Vehbi Koç Foundation, Private foundation in Kuzguncuk, Turkey.
The Vehbi Koç Foundation is a private organization headquartered in Istanbul that operates schools, hospitals, and cultural facilities across Turkey. The network includes several museums, libraries, and educational centers open to the public.
The foundation was established in 1969 by entrepreneur Vehbi Koç and was among the first private charitable organizations during Turkey's modern period. It grew over decades into one of the country's largest networks of educational and cultural institutions.
The foundation manages the Sadberk Hanım Museum in the neighborhood, which houses artwork from various periods of Turkish and Islamic art. Visitors can see objects that reflect the artistic heritage of the region.
The facilities are open to visitors at various times and days, with the museum and cultural centers having hours that should be checked before visiting. It is recommended to plan ahead, as some programs run year-round while others are seasonal or event-based.
The foundation operated an innovative model with the education ministry where it built schools, transferred them to the state, and then continued supporting them. This model made it possible to create schools in underserved areas without the state bearing the full costs alone.
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