February 7, 2023

We are deeply saddened to share news of the death of our graduate Berkhan Eminsoy ‘20 M.Arch, who was lost in this week’s tragic earthquake in Turkey. Berkhan was a graduate of Koç High School 2009, received his Bachelor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2013, and joined GSAPP’s Master of Architecture program in 2017. He is survived by his parents, Gülberk and Hakan Eminsoy. We share our condolences with his family, friends, classmates, teachers, and collaborators.

As President Bollinger notes in today’s statement, “The devastation and loss of life stemming from the earthquakes in southern Turkey and Syria are staggering and horrific. Columbia has many ties to the region, including students, faculty, and staff with deep roots in the area and a Global Center in Istanbul. On behalf of the entire University community, I send my profound condolences to all those affected by this devastating tragedy.”

• The Eminsoy family is in the process of developing a social cause in memory of Berkhan. We will share more information once available.

• Please see this Columbia News article on ways that the Columbia community is support the recovery effort in Turkey and Syria, and this Barnard webpage on additional ways to help the victims.

Columbia’s Office of University Life and ISSO are providing a community support space for students from the region this Thursday, February 9, from 5 - 6:30pm in the Earl Hall Auditorium on the Morningside Campus. Food, resources, and a community space will be available to those in attendance. The University offers additional resources including Counseling and Psychological Services as well as support groups. For spiritual support, you can connect with an advisor in the Office of Religious Life. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dean Smoller at ds89@columbia.edu with any additional needs during this period.