VEKAM, Ankara’s Memory, in a New Home on Anafartalar Caddesi
Ankara, January 19, 2026 – The Vehbi Koç Research Center (VEKAM), dedicated to academic research on Ankara and the compilation of information and documents related to the city, has officially moved to the restored Büyük Apartmanı on Anafartalar Caddesi. This historic building, where the renowned businessman Vehbi Koç conducted his business for many years, will now serve as the new home for the center’s extensive archives and research activities.
What is VEKAM?
VEKAM, officially the Koç University Vehbi Koç Ankara Research and Application Center, initially operated from Vehbi Koç’s vineyard house in Keçiören, one of the last remaining examples of its kind in the city. After its restoration in 1992-1993, the vineyard house became part of the Vehbi Koç Foundation in 1994. Its mission was established to conduct academic studies on Ankara and to gather all types of information and documents about the city for researchers.
The center, a direct legacy of Vehbi Koç, has been a significant witness to the history of Ankara, the capital, since 1928. Its relocation to the Büyük Apartmanı marks a new chapter in its efforts to preserve and promote Ankara’s rich heritage.
Purchased from Fevzi Çakmak
The vineyard house, which served as VEKAM’s original location, was purchased from Marshal Fevzi Çakmak in 1923. The Koç family used it as a summer residence for many years. This house, where Vehbi Koç spent a significant part of his life in Ankara and where his children were born, is classified as a Grade II Protected Cultural Property.
In 2014, the Center was affiliated with Koç University and has since expanded its academic work by developing collaborations with national and international organizations.
The Memory of the Capital
VEKAM continues its national and international efforts to conduct research on Ankara and its surroundings, manage, store, and protect all data related to Ankara, and disseminate knowledge through interdisciplinary academic studies and events. With its rich library and archives, VEKAM serves as Ankara’s urban memory, becoming a primary reference center by compiling all publications related to Ankara, including rare books, maps, and extensive photograph and postcard collections, all of which have been digitized.
Peer-Reviewed Journal
Since opening its doors to the scientific community in 1994, VEKAM has contributed to academic work by organizing symposiums, panels, conferences, exhibitions, and seminars. In addition to symposium books, it publishes a peer-reviewed journal twice a year, titled ‘Ankara Araştırmaları Dergisi’ (Journal of Ankara Studies).
In a statement on social media, VEKAM officials announced, “We continue to write and research Ankara together in our new home on Anafartalar Caddesi.” This move signifies a renewed commitment to its mission and a continuation of its vital role in preserving Ankara’s cultural and historical legacy.
The new location in the Büyük Apartmanı, with its historical significance and central position, is expected to enhance VEKAM’s accessibility and impact on academic research and public engagement with Ankara’s history.
