A 113,000-Kilometer Journey in Architecture
Hakan Acar, a father of two living in Izmir, achieved his goal by successfully completing his architectural education at the age of 49. Traveling from Çeşme to campus to attend classes, Acar covered a total of 113,000 kilometers over four years. Overcoming all challenges and creating an inspiring story, he graduated as an honor student from the Department of Architecture at Izmir University of Economics (IUE). Referring to the famous architect Le Corbusier’s remark in an interview, “I am a young architect at 71,” Acar said, “I see myself as a young architect at 49. From now on, I will always carry my alumni card with me.”
Hakan Acar began his professional career in his early 20s at a construction company in Çeşme, a district of Izmir. As he learned the intricacies of the profession and progressed steadily, he was soon promoted to site manager. After taking an active role in numerous projects, he founded his own company in 2004. In the same year, he married his wife, Işıl, a landscape architect. Despite his busy work schedule, Acar never gave up on his dream of studying architecture. With great support from his wife, he studied for the university entrance exam late into the night during his free time. In 2021, he was admitted to the Department of Architecture at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design at Izmir University of Economics, and in the fall semester of 2026, he completed his education as an ‘honor student’.
“SOME CALLED ME ‘PROFESSOR’”
Emphasizing that his university years hold a special place for him, Acar said, “Balancing work and university was not easy. During breaks, I would make business calls, attend remote meetings, and then go back to class. Some classmates were surprised to see me in the classroom. At times on campus, people even mistook me for an academic and addressed me as ‘Professor.’ These are very special memories I will never forget.” Noting that he once again realized age is not a limitation, Acar highlighted that his desire to learn was his greatest motivation.
“MY WIFE WAS MY GREATEST SUPPORTER”
Expressing that he always felt the support of his wife, Işıl Acar, he said, “During my university years, my wife took on most of the responsibilities at home. While I had an intense schedule between work and school, she kept everything balanced. She was my greatest support throughout this process. Architecture is a very enjoyable but by no means easy field. Fortunately, I managed to overcome all the challenges and reach my goal.”
“THEY NEVER MADE ME FEEL THE AGE DIFFERENCE”
Acar also mentioned the contributions of his classmates and academics, saying, “All my classmates, especially Alpay Koca, supported me both intellectually and practically in a way that never made me feel the age difference between us. I also received great support from the Vice Rector and faculty member of the Department of Architecture, Prof. Dr. Aslı Ceylan Öner. I would like to thank all academics who contributed to my professional perspective.”
“AVOID BEING ORDINARY”
Offering valuable advice to young people, Acar said, “Be determined, patient, brave, and passionate. Never give up on your goals. Do your research, learn the technical aspects of your field, and avoid being ordinary. Value the power of being different, thinking differently, and seeing things from different perspectives. Help one another. No matter what, make sure you do things by truly learning them.”
