Ayhan Songar

Ayhan Songar (1926–1997) was a Turkish academic and psychiatrist. He is also known for his activities in sufism, music, cybernetics and photography. He was part of the conservative think thank Intellectuals' Hearth (IH) and headed the Green Crescent.

Early life and education He was born in Gönen, Balıkesir, in 1926. One of his lecturers was Mazhar Osman.

Career and activities Following his graduation Songar joined his alma mater as a research assistant. He was promoted to associate professor in 1956 and became a full professor in 1962. He employed Turkish classical music to cure his patients and founded a music therapy unit in the clinic at the university. He was among the founders of the IH and served as its acting president between 24 December 1982 and 4 April 1984. He was also a member of the Association for the Expansion of Knowledge which publicized the Turkish–Islamic synthesis developed by the IH.

Songar was involved in the establishment of the Turkish Literature Foundation. He played the oud and oboe, and wrote lyrics.

Songar was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 1997. Songar died of this illness in Istanbul on 2 July 1997. He was buried in the Zincirlikuyu Cemetery next day.

Awards and honors Songar was awarded by the National Culture Foundation in 1979 and in 1981. He was made a member of the New York Academy of Sciences in 1992.