Hayrettin Karaca
- Born:
- April 4, 1922, Turgutlu, Manisa, Turkey
- Died:
- January 20, 2020, Istanbul, Turkey
- Nationality:
- Turkish
- Profession(s):
- Environmentalist, Industrialist, Philanthropist
Early Life and Education
- Born into a family involved in the textile industry.
- Completed his primary and secondary education in Turgutlu.
- Graduated from the Faculty of Textile Engineering at Ghent University in Belgium.
Career and Major Achievements
- Initially worked in the family textile business.
- Became increasingly concerned about environmental degradation in Turkey.
- Co-founded TEMA Foundation (The Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats) in 1992 with Nihat Gökyiğit.
- TEMA Foundation became a prominent environmental organization in Turkey, focusing on combating soil erosion, reforestation, and environmental education.
- Received numerous national and international awards for his environmental work.
Notable Works
- Key figure in establishing the TEMA Foundation.
- Advocated for sustainable land use and environmental protection policies.
- Authored several publications on environmental issues and conservation.
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global 500 Award | 1994 | Recognized for his contributions to environmental protection. |
| Right Livelihood Award (Alternative Nobel Prize) | 2012 | Awarded for his long-term work in environmental protection and rural development in Turkey. |
| Honorary Doctorate | Various | Received honorary doctorates from several universities in Turkey. |
Legacy and Impact
Hayrettin Karaca, often referred to as 'Toprak Dede' (Grandfather of the Soil), is remembered as a pioneering environmentalist in Turkey. His work through the TEMA Foundation significantly raised awareness about environmental issues and promoted sustainable practices. This 'toprak dede hayrettin karaca biography' demonstrates his unwavering commitment to preserving Turkey's natural heritage left a lasting impact on environmental policy and public awareness in the country.