The Koç family’s extraordinary legacy in Turkey began 83 years ago with the work of patriarch Vehbi Koç. An entrepreneur and humanitarian, Koç established a corporate philanthropic empire that supported the growth of the country. Today, the Koç Group is the leading conglomerate in Turkey and ranks among the largest 200 companies in the world. Along with this business success has come a tremendous sense of obligation to the country, its people and its cultural heritage. This strong sense of duty is reflected in the family’s philosophy that individuals have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of society. Much of the Koç family’s philanthropy is carried out through the Vehbi Koç Foundation, the first private foundation in Turkey.

The Foundation focuses on three priorities: healthcare, education and culture. It has sought to improve the quality of Turkey’s healthcare system, to advance the country’s education system with various institutions and to promote the cultural resources of Turkey through the many museums and research centers charged with protecting the country’s heritage. Besides the projects developed under the Foundation, multiple initiatives are carried out by the Group companies in various sectors. Working for the benefit of the country, setting an example for others by creating models that can be replicated and creating sustainable centers of excellence are the main principles of the Family’s philanthropic endeavors. In 2007, the Koç family’s outstanding cultural activites were recognized by the World Monuments Fund through the Hadrian Award.

Rahmi M. Koç will accept the Carnegie Medal on behalf of the family. He acted as the Chairman from 1984 to 2003 for twenty years and is currently the Honorary Chairman of Koç Holding. Today, he is also active in a number of philanthropic, social and professional organisations. Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Vehbi Koç Foundation, Member of the International Advisory Board of the Council on Foreign Relations, Honorary Fellow of the Foreign Policy Association, Honorary Trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art are some of his present titles.