Lessons from Turkey’s Urbanization Experience

Abstract

In his scientific studies in economic policy throughout a stellar career, which he embarked upon at the State Planning Organization and continued at METU and Bilkent University, Merih Celasun not only offered very important solutions to the structural problems faced by Turkey, but also provided unique lessons regarding the way to approach the economic science to those lucky enough to get to know him. His knowledge, experience, and approach to economic problems made him a well-known scholar in international academic circles. His work became one of the first sources to resort to for those seeking in-depth information, particularly on the Turkish economy. This text is İlhan Tekeli’s speech that was delivered in Ankara at TEPAV on December 29th, 2014 at the Merih Celasun memorial lecture.