Rahmi M. Koç: “My love for collecting began with a toy train, a gift from my dad.”

The second installment of the “Vehbi Koç Foundation Talks” podcast featured Rahmi M. Koç, a prominent figure in Turkish industry and philanthropy. Mr Koç reflected on the origins of his passion for collecting and his personal journey as well as on the establishment of the Vehbi Koç Foundation. He also shared the story behind the array of museums that today preserve and celebrate evidence of the world’s industrial heritage in different parts of our country.

I’d like to start our conversation by taking you back to your childhood. Would it be fair to say that the approach of helpfulness and the awareness of helping society were taught to you at a very young age?

Helping others is deeply ingrained in my family. Let me share a story from my childhood. Back then, before the first Bosphorus bridge was built, we’d often wait in line for the car ferry to cross from Üsküdar to Kabataş. One chilly September day, I was there with my mother when a young boy approached us. He was shivering in his rubber shoes, with no socks and his shirtfront open, trying to sell sweets. I couldn’t bear to see him so cold so I gave him my sweater. My mother, ever mindful, pointed out that there were two other kids nearby in the same predicament. The very next day, she sent our driver to get sweaters for them too. That’s the kind of compassion that was instilled in us.

Could you share some of your memories from the period when the Vehbi Koç Foundation was being set up?

Back in 1945, my parents took my sister, Sevgi Gönül, all the way to Johns Hopkins in America to have surgery for her hearing problem. My father Vehbi Koç was a meticulous observer, always keen to observe and learn from his travels. In America, he noticed the huge role that large foundations played in establishing and supporting universities, hospitals, and museums. Inspired by what he saw, he resolved to create a similar philanthropic model in Turkey. While Turkey had inherited a tradition of charitable foundations from the Ottomans, a fresh approach was needed. It took 16 years of hard work; but in the end, the Vehbi Koç Foundation was ultimately born.

Nowadays, we channel all of our philanthropic efforts, aside from the family’s personal donations, through the Vehbi Koç Foundation. 10% of Koç Holding’s annual income is earmarked for the foundation. Our philanthropic endeavors extend beyond Vehbi Koç High School, Koç University, the American Hospital, and our museums. We are also proud to support numerous other organizations and foundations.

The Rahmi M. Koç Museums are a fascinating testament to your passion for collecting. Could you tell us a bit about their origins? How did your interest in collecting begin and at what point did you decide to establish a museum?

Back in the day, Turkish businessmen would often travel to places like Berlin, Hungary, or Vienna. We had an Australian nanny who looked after us. Whenever our father went away on business, he’d bring back a doll for my sister, Semahat (Semahat Arsel), and something for me too, though his choices weren’t always the best!

One day, our nanny suggested “Why don’t we ask your father to bring something more interesting next time, like a Märklin train set?” So we did and next time he brought back a locomotive and a coal wagon. When our nanny pointed out that this was just the beginning of a train, my father replied “We’ll just keep adding to it every time we travel; eventually, we’ll have a whole set!” That’s how it all started–with steam rollers and steam ships joining the collection as well. My interest in collecting carried on through university. Whenever I could afford it, I’d pick up something new. That’s how my collection gradually grew. Fast-forward to 1958-1959 and we’re in the process of setting up Otosan. We were sent to Detroit to order machinery from Ford for the new plant. During our three-week stay, I found myself drawn to the Henry Ford Museum. Whenever I had a spare moment, I’d head over there. Henry Ford had revolutionized the world with the mass production of automobiles and his museum is a testament to that. It was a sprawling, immersive experience that captured the essence of American life.

Back in Turkey, I said “We should have a museum too! Let’s fill it with artifacts from our own industrial heritage.” Sadly there were scarcely any traces of that heritage left to display. All we could find were either imported from abroad or things we had to buy and bring back from our own travels. It had to be something that would capture the interest of everyone from 7 to 70–or even 5 to 90 now that people are living longer. And I think we succeeded. Our museum offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

What are your thoughts on the museum scene in Turkey today?

While some corporate groups in Turkey have allocated resources for museums, it’s important to understand that running a successful museum is no easy business. For one thing, you need to constantly keep your finger on the pulse of the public. People lose interest when they see the same thing in the same place over and over again. So you need to bring in variety, maybe host temporary exhibitions now and then. The basics matter too: clean exhibits, clear labels. Your staff need to be on top of things, and even the most static displays need to be well-lit and engaging. There’s a lot of enthusiasm for museums in Turkey today. Everyone’s trying to contribute in some way. Depending on financial resources, knowledge, and the available artifacts, there are museums of all sizes. Things are happening in our country. There’s a definite trend towards establishing more museums.

One last question: The Rahmi M. Koç Science Medal honors pioneering and young scientists who’ve made significant contributions to our global knowledge base and it also promotes the advancement of science here in Turkey. What are your thoughts on this initiative?

The idea originated from Professor Umran İnan, who was the president of Koç University for 14 years. We discovered that there are many hardworking Turks around the world doing groundbreaking work in fascinating fields. They’re recognized internationally but in most cases we’re not even aware of their names here at home. Each year, they identify an outstanding individual and present them with the Rahmi M. Koç Science Medal. It’s a wonderful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Turks living abroad, who might otherwise remain unknown to us here in Turkey. I take great pride in this initiative. It’s truly gratifying to be able to introduce these remarkable individuals to a wider audience in Turkey and share their accomplishments with the public. They deserve recognition.