Julian Bennett

Countless Bilkent students have fond (and often hilarious) memories of taking Julian's Introduction to Archaeology in their first year. As an exceptionally witty, generous, and wise teacher, Julian himself was the best introduction to what archaeology can be - a fascinating body of knowledge to be enjoyed, shared, and passed on. If I'm half as good at passing this on to my own students as Julian was, I'll be very proud. Güle güle, Julian. Thanks for everything.

Rest in peace dear Julian Bennett. My deeply condolences for Bilkent family.

Nezaketi, sabrı, güleryüzüyle öğrencilerinin kıymetlisi, Julian'ı. Nur içinde yat.

Professor Bennett was an absolutely amazing lecturer and an even better human being. He helped me pass his class although I was in a tough situation and probably would have failed without his help. His lectures were made infinitely more fun with his witty humor and his sarcastic remarks. If I had the chance I would’ve loved to attend another one of his lectures. May he rest in peace. Best wishes to his family for this untimely loss.

I am very saddened by the passing of Julian Bennett. He was my favorite instructor in my Bilkent Archaeology years between 2002-2006. I really enjoyed his courses dealing with Roman art and architecture courses. His cheerful manner, smiling face, joyful attitude always made me happy and motivated. I'll never forget him and he'll live forever in my memories. Rest in peace Julian Hocam, thanks for everything and inspirations. My condolences to his family, colleagues and students and the Archaeology community. ❤❤❤

He was the best teacher ever. The amount of joy he brought to my life will remain with me. May god bless his soul and his relatives.

Our dear colleague and dear friend Julian Bennett is gone.
Julian had a colourful personality, always joyful and friendly, wearing his legendary keffieh and hat. But he was also a modest and discreet person and it is only when I became fully a member of the Department of Archaeology that I could understand the wise, knowledgeable and resilient person he was. Discussions with him were always inspiring and opening new horizons thanks to the ideas and views that he was generously sharing. His passion for Roman Empire and Roman army and his vast culture have inspired generations of students. Although he had quite an independant character, he was very thoughtful, kind and faithful for the ones that he was considering as his friends. I feel honored to have been one of them. Dear Julian, you will never be forgotten and the sound of your warm voice will continue to echo in the Department, bringing energy and smile.

Bölüme girdiğim ilk gün aldığım ilk ders unutmam mümkün değil. Aksanını duyunca kendi ingilizcemden şüphe edip ya ben ne yapacağım bu bölümde diye düşündüm. Aldığım her dersi çok keyifliydi. Espirili kravatlarınızı unuttum sanmayın canım hocam :) bir final sınavına " ben sizden çok korkuyorum aslında bilmiyorsunuz yazmıştım" Binaya girerken odanızın camına takılıyor gözüm... Nur içinde yatın çok seviliyordunuz.

It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of Professor Julian Bennett, a distinguished archaeologist who dedicated 30 remarkable years to Bilkent University. His research, passionate teaching, and commitment to the field of archaeology left an indelible mark on our institution and the academic community. Professor Bennett’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of scholars, and he will be deeply missed by his colleagues, students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends and the Bilkent community.

Değerli Hocamız her sabah BLIS'ten merkez kampüse yürüyerek gelirdi. Onun bulunduğu noktaya göre kızımın okuluna geç kalıp kalmadığımızı fark ederdik. Kendisi enerji dolu, neşeli ve nazik bir insandı. Ailesine, öğrencilerine ve tüm Bilkent camiasına sabırlar diliyorum.
Saygılarımla,

Renkli kişiliği ile kampüsümüze enerji katan değerli hocamızı kaybettiğimiz için üzgünüm. Ailesine sabır dilerim.

I am very sorry to hear the news about Julian. We remember him as a good friend and colleague, and send sincere condolences to his family. Requiescat in pace.

Julian most definitely had a big spirit. His enthusiasm for his work and family could not be missed.
Whenever I asked him a question, he gave a detailed answer and on more than one occasion shared resources with me so I could follow up.
Rest in peace.

Dear Julian,
Still fresh in my memory when I first saw you in Bistro, the following day we met again as our new neighbor in campus. Always positive, always with a big smile on your face no matter what happens. Sleep tight my dear, sleep tight 🙏🏻

Deeply sad his pass away. All students will remember his sense of humor.
R.I.P. Prof. Bennett.

A long illness took away my dear friend Julian Bennet. Over 30 years, we shared many experiences—traveling to ancient sites, roaming Ankara's Sunday antique markets, and enjoying beers together. He edited my English for publications, while I created illustrations for his work. Now, an empty space remains. I will miss him...

Rest in Peace Mr.Bennett.

Dear Mr. Bennet,

I hope you are fine, wherever you are. I already felt your absence in the first semester, but it will be worse from now on. I will always remember your kindness when I come to your room, crying about my performance. I was feeling very lonely and didn't know what to do. You were my mentor. I will never forget how understanding you are. You told me a story about a friend of yours, and it stuck with me for 2 years now. I think it will continue until the rest of my life. Your presence, your knowledge and your humour was one of a kind. I wish I appreciated more when I had the chance. Still, I am glad we met and I get the chance to share a part of your time. You will be missed.

I took HART221 from Prof. Bennett. He was so passionate about teaching and such a kind instructor. I thought I lost my phone once and he luckily found it and gave it back to me. Such a small moment but I remember his warm smile and kind presence.

I am deeply saddened to find out about the passing of Prof. Bennett. He was an extraordinary teacher and a scholar. I am indebted to him for his efforts as my M.A. advisor. He taught me how to write a thesis, one which got me accepted to a prestigious doctoral program. My condolences to his family.