Julian Bennett

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.

We will remember Julian as a great colleague.

Even though I only know him from HART-221 class and I feel profoundly grateful for knowing him.Professor Bennett was kindness personified. His humour had a way of turning lessons into something brighter, and his patience made even the most uncertain students feel capable-myself included. We’ll remember his quick wit, perfectly timed humor, and of course qualities that transformed seemingly mundane material into lessons both meaningful and joyful.

Dr Bennet and I met when I was roughly 16 and at an ARIT event at the US ambassador’s residence in Ankara. I had no idea who he was then or that in 4-5 years I would be re-meeting him when I was looking for courses to take in Art History.
I hope he continued to live the full life he was leading because his lectures are still memorable to me. He had such a colorful personality and he loved his wife so much. I will be eternally grateful for the contribution he made to Turkish – Western relations. He was someone who came to Turkey to realize all of the mysticism in our lives we take for granted.
Topragi bol olsun.

He is one of a kind for many students. Thanks to his advice I had better decisions for the path I chose in academia. My deepest condolences.

Kendisinden great discoveries from ancient world dersi almıştım. Sıradışı kişiliği ve engin bilgisi sayesinde hayatımda gerçekten iz bıraktı. Çok üzüldüm. Işıklar içinde uyusun

I am devastated to receive the news. I took his course for one of my terms and it was the best class ever. May his soul rest in peace.