Captain Refik Akdoğan, known as 'Beybaba,' passed away at 100, leaving behind 25 books and a legacy of trained sailors in Turkish maritime.
One of the prominent figures of Turkish maritime, Captain Refik Akdoğan, affectionately known as 'Beybaba' by sailors, passed away at the age of 100. Devoting a century of his life to the seas, maritime education, and the transmission of Turkish maritime history to future generations, Akdoğan leaves behind 25 books, a legacy of trained sailors, and an unforgettable professional heritage.
The Turkish maritime community is mourning the loss of its century-old giant. The passing of Captain Refik Akdoğan, a graduate of the Maritime Academy class of 1948 and a former president of the Turkish Long-Distance Ship Captains Association, was announced on November 11.
Akdoğan was recognized in the maritime community not only as an experienced captain but also as a teacher, researcher, writer, and guiding elder. He maintained his connection to the maritime world until the last years of his life.
A captain, a teacher, a maritime memory
Refik Akdoğan was not just a captain who transported ships from port to port. He was a mariner who transferred the knowledge he gained at sea into books, shared his experiences with his students, and passed his memories on to future generations.
Throughout his century-long life, he witnessed the significant transformation of Turkish maritime. While experiencing the transition from sailing and classical navigation methods to modern maritime technologies, he never lost his love and interest in his profession.
Today, what remains in his memory is not only books and professional achievements but also the esteemed remembrance of a life dedicated to maritime.
We pray for the mercy of Allah upon Refik Akdoğan, the Beybaba of Turkish maritime; we extend our condolences and patience to his family, relatives, students, and the entire maritime community. May his resting place be paradise, and may his soul be at peace.
Funeral information: As of the morning of November 12, the location and time of the funeral ceremony have not yet been announced.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
