In Memoriam: Prof. Dr. Fikret Hakkı BİLGİN (1934–09.09.2025)

Abstract

Prof. Dr. Fikret Hakkı Bilgin (1934–2025) was a pioneering zoologist and the founding figure of malacological research in Turkey. His systematic and ecological investigations on freshwater mollusks, particularly Gastropoda, provided the first comprehensive framework for the country’s malacofauna and contributed to the international recognition of Anatolian biodiversity. Bilgin described new species, advanced taxonomic knowledge, and established long-term research traditions through both independent and collaborative studies. In addition to his scientific output, he played a central role in institutional development, served in key administrative positions, and supervised numerous graduate theses, thereby shaping subsequent generations of zoologists and hydrobiologists. This article documents his scientific contributions, academic mentorship, and enduring impact on zoological research in Turkey