Prof. Dr.
Mustafa Var
1963 – 2026
A life devoted to nature: in the footsteps of science, art and design
Born in 1963 in Bafra, Samsun, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Var was a scientist and educator who devoted his life to understanding nature, protecting it and carrying it into the future through scientific knowledge. His modesty, his productivity and his genuine care for his students left a mark not only in academia but on the people around him. The scientific outlook behind VAR Design Studio’s approach to design rests on his legacy.
The marks of a lifetime
A lifetime of work in academia, in the field and in international research.
32countries of research
88botanic gardens and 4 arboreta
95international and national papers
38doctoral and master’s theses supervised
300+landscape projects for public and private clients
7TÜBİTAK awards for international publications
An academic journey
From the Faculty of Forestry to Okayama, and from Kew to woody plant guides for 81 provinces.
- 1985
Graduated from the Faculty of Forestry, Istanbul University.
- 1986–2015
Served as a faculty member at Karadeniz Technical University.
- 1987
Completed his master’s degree at Yıldız Technical University.
- 1989
Introduced the concept of plateau tourism (“Yayla Turizmi”) to the literature with an article.
- 1992
Completed his doctorate at Karadeniz Technical University.
- 1995–2000
With a Japanese Government Monbukagakusho (MEXT) scholarship, carried out postdoctoral research in environmental science and applied ecology at Okayama University. Between 2001 and 2017 he returned there 13 times as a guest, giving lectures, conferences and seminars.
- 1996–2013
Led sister-university agreements between Karadeniz Technical University and Japanese universities, above all Okayama University, opening the way for many academics and students to carry out research in both countries.
- 1999–2000
After the 1999 Marmara and Düzce earthquakes, the landscape projects for permanent housing in Kocaeli, Sakarya, Yalova, Gölcük and Düzce, covering about 9 million m², were prepared under his direction by a 35-person design team.
- 2005–2006
Attended a course run by FAO and INBAR in China, and took part in a training programme on a scholarship from the Chinese Ministry of Industry.
- 2009 and 2013
Represented Türkiye as a visiting scientist at the Royal Botanic Gardens in London and Edinburgh.
- 2015–2026
Served as a faculty member at Yıldız Technical University.
- 2019–2026
As a member of the Central Board for the Conservation of Natural Assets at the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, helped protect the country’s natural heritage.
- December 2025
The guides “Woody Plants Reflecting Urban Identity and Adaptable to Climate Change”, prepared for all 81 provinces, were completed.
- February 2026
Passed away.
Woody plant guides
Within the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, he was Project Manager and Editor-in-Chief of the guides “Woody Plants Reflecting Urban Identity and Adaptable to Climate Change” for 81 provinces, and an author of the books for 67 of them. The work supports the spread, across the country, of planting design that strengthens local identity and suits a changing climate.
Roles and awards
- Head of Department, Deputy Head of Department, Vice Dean, Advisor to the Rector
- 2014 – Best Built Residential Garden Award
- 2023 – Best Built Campus Project Award for the YTÜ Davutpaşa Campus Nation’s Garden
- Speaker at 40 conferences and talks
- 4 national photography exhibitions
In photographs
In the field, at the lectern and on the road.
By decision of the Büyükçekmece Municipal Council on 4 November 2026, a park in Sinanoba, Büyükçekmece, was named Prof. Dr. Mustafa Var Park in his memory.
His scientific and human legacy lives on in the people he trained, the projects he realised and the lives he inspired.
Today
Today VAR Design Studio, led by Ömer Tarık Var, carries his science-to-site approach into its landscape design, planting design, construction and landscape management work. The Bafra nursery of our family company Fulya Peyzaj, which has grown ornamental plants since 1992, is part of the same legacy.
