The conference hall inaugurated by a ceremony organized in the Engineering Faculty on May 7 is named after Prof. Dr. Ali Rıza Berkem, the deceased father-in-law of Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem, who is the Chairman of Board of Directors of Erdem Holding. The ceremony was also attended by Prof. Dr. Mesut Parlak, Istanbul University President, Mr. Muammer Guler, the Governor of Istanbul, Mr. Hasan Duruer, Avcılar Subgovernor, Mr. Mustafa Degirmenci, the Major of Avcılar, Dr. Zeynel Abidin, the Board Chairman of Erdem Holding, Mrs. Durdal Berkem, the spouse of Mr. Merkem and his children.

The opening ceremony of the Hall, the project of which was designed by Istanbul University Construction Works Department, took off with a presentation of the Engineering Faculty, and proceeded with a speech delivered by Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Yusufoglu, the Dean of Engineering Faculty. Prof. Dr. Mesut Parlak, the President, Mr. Muammer Guler, the Governor of Istanbul, Dr. Zeynel Abidin, the Board Chairman of Erdem Holding and Mrs. Durdal Berkem for the whole Berkem family delivered speeches. They commemorated Prof. Dr. Ali Rıza Berkem, who dedicated his whole life to advance the science in Turkey, and quoted from his life, philosophy, worldly opinions and works. They all agreed that the uberprofessors, fully gave the due respect and honor to the science; led a very fulfilling life; loved and feel loved by people very much.

The ceremony, which went on with a short movie presentation called “100 years of Science Sage, Prof. Dr. Ali Rıza Berkem, the Uberprofessor, finished with the presentation of a plaque followed by a performance by the band of Istanbul University Conservatory. Being an important name in the process that made the chemistry an institutionalized branch of science in Turkey, Prof. Dr. Ali Rıza Berkem managed to embrace numerous achievements, collected a great many awards and produced a copious body of printed materials, articles and books.