ART IS ALWAYS A JOURNEY THAT OPENS ANOTHER DOOR
In the past, there used to be the Etap Hotel in Tepebaşı and in the streets behind this hotel, the most famous antique shops of Istanbul were lined up. I remember, after having lunch at work, I used to go in and out of these shops whenever I had time, chatting with the antique dealers and examining the objects on display inside. In time, I used to go home with a new piece every week. Silver candlesticks, tombaks, silk carpets, mother-of-pearl mirrors, coffee tables, drawers...1 For me, the most precious piece of paper is a museum ticket; the most beautiful route is art villages When you are familiar with Kemal Gülman's long business life, you can be sure that you have completed an enjoyable journey through Istanbul. The same goes for his artistic steps. His business journey, which started in Balat, the beautiful neighbourhood of the Golden Horn, during his childhood, has taken him to Tahtakale, Cağaloğlu, Şişhane, Tepebaşı, the Bosphorus, Bebek, Tarabya, Üsküdar, Caddebostan and other new development areas of Istanbul. There is no doubt that the source of inspiration for his artistic journey is his Istanbul experience. Gülman's love for art starts with his travels to the antique shops around Tepebaşı.
MUSTAFA KEMAL ÇOLAK GÜLMAN Group's founder Kemal Gülman's house and garden on the ridges of Tarabya welcomes his guests like an open-air museum. Each of the sculptures carefully placed on the vast grounds are the owners of the house. Whichever one of them you stand by, different conversations start. The view inside the house is the same. The paintings hanging on the walls in every corner, saying ‘welcome’, accompany your smile. Kemal Gülman, who was instrumental in the formation of this art choir and their adoption of Tarabya as their home, spends most of his life in this unique environment. Let's hear from him what it means to be engaged in art, whether you are a producer or a follower: ‘Being a creator is not an ability that everyone is blessed with. The artist creates with the creativity bestowed upon him. We, who look at his/her work, carry a novelty, a perspective, a difference to our lives. This, in my opinion, is a great luxury offered to people, especially in difficult times. It is a good occupation. Even if you don't go there, by looking at works of art and trying to understand them, you open other doors for yourself. You become happy. For me, art is a cause of happiness, it is good for my mind and soul. It is hope. It is a state of well-being. It makes you more hopeful, more optimistic. I don't think this has much to do with wealth. I wish we could explain these positive aspects of art to our young people more from their student years...’ Starting at the age of 16 as a clerk in a foreign trade company in Tahtakale, Kemal Gülman decided to fly with his own wings at the age of 19 and has been involved in domestic and foreign trade and industry for 72 years. He has touched many fields during this long period of time. He is best remembered as the person who put forward magical ideas and information during the formation of the domestic industry in Turkey and, of course, in the formation of customs legislation on the import of intermediate products, which is still needed today. Gülman, who reads several daily newspapers every day, and regularly follows technology, economy and art publications and trends, says: ‘Over time, I have shifted from classical to contemporary art, from painting to sculpture’ and enthusiastically explains his interest in art. Domestic and international art fairs, visits to workshops, galleries and antique dealers, especially in the iconic art villages of Southern France, are the constant stops on her art route. We rewind the film and ask ‘How did it start?’. ‘No encounter is in vain, there is something to learn from everyone,’ he begins, referring to his recently lost friend and former business partner, the Italian Count Sibaldi. It seems that Mr Kemal has learnt more than one thing from Sibaldi. Kemal Gülman recounts those days by reliving them... In the 1980s, a businessman named Dario Sibaldi became the Turkish representative of a battery brand called VIP Casa. In addition to a commercial relationship, a good friendship was formed between them. Sibaldi came from a well-established family, had the title of count and was a very elegant and refined person. He hosted Kemal Gülman in Italy several times. One summer, this time Gülman invited Sibaldi to Turkey. Sibaldi said, ‘I will come if we go south together’ and said that he wanted to see Bodrum. On that trip, he advised Kemal Gülman that Bodrum would become very valuable in the future and that he should definitely invest in land in this region. Following Sibaldi's advice, Kemal Gülman started to buy land in Bodrum.
T ranged from decorative artefacts to painting and different branches
Kemal Gülman often throws himself out of his company building in Tepebaşı and onto the streets with his love of owning works of art, which turned into a passion in his early 60s. He became a regular at the antique shops in his neighbourhood. When almost everyone goes out for lunch, he stops by antique shops. He remembers with a smile the encounters he had with his friends either when he was returning from an antique shop with an object in his hand or when he was on the road with quick steps. In his book İş'ten Hikayeler/ Tecrübelerim, Tavsiyelerim (Stories from Business / My Experiences, My Recommendations), which successfully tells his life story and whose evaluation you will read in Hakan Güldağ's article, there are the following sentences about those days: ‘My collecting adventure, which started with decorative artefacts, took on a new form over time by collecting artefacts from different fields of creation, particularly painting. In the last days of 1990, at an auction organised by Maçka Mezat Antiques, I purchased the oil on canvas painting titled ‘Flower Growing Girl’ by Osman Hamdi Bey for a price that could be considered significant for that day. In the following years, artists such as Mahmut Cüda, Cevat Dereli, De Mango, Civanyan and Melling entered through the door opened with Osman Hamdi.’ The first vision that would later shape Gülman Group's investments in the real estate sector has sprouted. This is, of course, very valuable advice, but it is understood that Sibaldi is much more than that for Kemal Gülman: ‘I pray to Count Sibaldi. I learnt a lot about life from him. When I met him, I had learnt how to earn money, but I think my ideas about how to spend money have improved considerably since I met him.’
BEYOGLU IS DIFFERENT
KEMAL Gülman's interest in antiques, objects that carry the past to the present and, of course, works of art increased after getting to know Sibaldi. At the same time, partly by coincidence and partly by choice, Gülman Group closed its 30-year-long Cağaloğlu era and moved its new office to an Art Nouveau-style building in Tepebaşı. Let us remind you that the building in Tepebaşı, built by the Italian Guglielmo Semprini, who was also the architect of the Grand London Hotel, is dated 1904 and let us continue. Moving to this elegant building, which is now the Istanbul Research Institute, shaped Gülman's search for adding artistic aesthetics to his space designs. Here is how she describes those days: ‘There used to be the Etap Hotel in Tepebaşı and the streets behind this hotel were lined with Istanbul's most famous antique shops. I remember, every time I had time after lunch at work, I used to go in and out of these shops, chatting with the antique dealers and examining the objects on display inside. In time, I went home with a new piece every week. Silver candlesticks, tombaks, silk carpets, mother-of-pearl mirrors, coffee tables, drawers... In the following years, this curiosity led me to own a collection of works by Turkish and world painters and sculptors...’ Kemal Gülman describes it as a never-ending excitement to give a brand new identity to the spaces he lives in with his works of art. For him, it does not matter whether it is an office or a home; the walls and rooms of all the spaces that will be associated with him gain a different identity with the works he carefully selects. He is sincere when he says that he does not define himself as a collector: ‘The works I choose are completely according to my own taste. I do not act as if this artist should be this artist. You can see an anonymous piece that my eye likes, that I believe will add value to the space I intend to put it in, or a non-standard work of a very famous artist, perhaps a work that even he himself is not sure of, side by side in the corner of my house... For me, in the selection of works, it is essential that the pieces accompany each other harmoniously with their contrasts and similarities.’
SURPRISE ITEMS IN ANTIQUE BAZAARS
Kemal Gülman, who is a regular at antique shops abroad, especially at the antique markets in the Cote d'Azur near Monaco where he lives in the summer, says that he does not change the charm of the surprise objects that come his way in these places for anything and says: ‘Of course, the works of art created by an artist are very precious. However, objects excite me as much as paintings and sculptures. A machine or a silver household item in an unusual form, which thousands of people dreamed of owning at one time, but which could only be owned by the lucky European elite or the rural wealthy, could be the beginning of a great adventure for me.’ Gülman emphasises that she is interested in certain types of objects from time to time and that she focuses on a single area, and continues as follows: ‘For example, let's say a desk clock, finding different variations of it can become one of the most important goals in my life.’ Architecture has always been a leading discipline in Kemal Gülman's interest in art. On the other hand, in its 70-year history, Gülman Group has never gone beyond its identity as a real estate developer and land investor; for example, it has never been a contractor. There is only one exception for Kemal Gülman, and that is the mansion in Tarabya where he lives today. He took care of every square centimetre of the construction of the house, which is situated on two and a half acres of land. The mansion, which was rented out for many years after its construction was completed, has now turned into a home that smells of art in every corner thanks to Kemal Gülman's efforts. ‘I don't want to be misunderstood, I have never become an expert in a field I didn't go to school for. But if a field interests me, I read a lot, followed many publications, listened to the opinions of experts and masters in order to comprehend and learn about it. My learning journey in the field of architecture and decoration was shaped by such an effort,’ says Gülman. ISTANBUL'S MAGIC In the garden and interiors of KEMAL Gülman's house in Tarabya, Süleyman Saim Tekcan's Seçkin Pirime. From Ebru Yılmaz Çakmak to Ahmet Güneş, there are works by artists from different movements. Kemal Gülman, who belongs to a family from Istanbul for five generations, says that Istanbul is a very inspiring city for a person who is passionate about art. The selection of artefacts in his garden includes many details reflecting the deep-rooted cultural richness of Istanbul, from early 19th century fountains to wall decorations. The book of Istanbul engravings, a gift from his son and Chairman of Gülman Group, Polat Gülman, is at the centre of his home and study. Istanbul is one of the most important themes in Kemal Gülman's collection. Perhaps this is why he has so much to say about Istanbul and art: ‘Do you understand how lucky we are? There is no other city in the world that has inspired and can inspire art and artists as much as Istanbul has. How much art is a hobby, how much an investment field?’ (Continued from the book) ’You may ask how much of a hobby and how much of an investment field I embrace this field as a natural question. Let me answer with the same naturalness and sincerity. First of all, when you get into this business, in my opinion, you have to like it first. You will pay a considerable amount of money and in return you will take the work you have received and hang it on the wall of your home, where you live. First of all, such a piece should appeal to your eyes. So I chose what I liked. Afterwards, of course, quite naturally, I didn't want it to lose its value financially. I still don't. But I must remind you that it doesn't really depend on you.’ I don't believe that it was like that yesterday and today... This city has everything; both East and West. Splendour and squalor. Green and concrete. Rebellion and obedience. Think of the late 1800s, the most important painting salons of the West were opening in Pera. Western painters and architects are patronised by the palace. One side of us is being destroyed, the other side is flourishing with art. The city is so beautiful, so big and so multicultural... It is very lucky in terms of the veins that nourish art, because it is a city of contrasts. Istanbul-themed artefacts especially attract my attention, I feel excited, I embrace them more...’ RESPECT FOR THE CITY'S ROOTY HERITAGE Emphasising that he has worked with foreign business partners throughout his 71-year business life, Kemal Gülman now spends a significant portion of his time in this house in Tarabya. Gülman, who also hosts guests from different nations of the world in his winter garden, which he also uses as an office, said: ‘My son Polat is now in charge of the business, and he is progressing very successfully. I try to accompany and contribute to him with my experience and ideas. I find peace here in this semi-retirement period. I am in a great environment for reading, resting and working. I designed this environment as a place of respect for Istanbul, the most beautiful city in the world. I care very much about the cultural richness of this ancient city and the cultural heritage it has passed down from generation to generation. I aim to breathe this air to everyone who comes here with my artistic choices, and of course to my family, my children and my grandchildren, whom I love more than anything else.’ Kemal Gülman says that the consultations he holds with his close friends also make a significant contribution to the shaping of his ideas about art. ‘Meetings with friends and travelling have been extremely useful opportunities for me to learn about artistic trends, new artists and new places,’ he says, referring to the late Sakıp Sabancı. Reminiscing about their unforgettable holidays in Southern France, Gülman said: ‘Sakıp Aga was a very different and unique person. He was very careful and had a very good eye. We visited many galleries, museums and art villages together. Our preferences diverged and converged, but he consulted me a lot and I consulted him a lot. He knew the market well and I was good at bargaining. Now, when I look at many pieces in my home, I remember our joint conversations and memories with dear Mr. Sakıp, and this gives me great happiness.’ ART IS GOOD, ART IS HOPE Laughter and a positive outlook are at the top of Mr KEMAL's philosophy of life. He also sees this issue as a matter of respect for his ancestors and his father, journalist Lemi Gülman, who gave him this surname. His father, Lemi Gülman, worked as a writer and administrator at Son Söz Newspaper for many years. He was an extremely mild, good-natured person. He explained his choice of surname to his son Kemal as follows: ‘Our surname is Gülman so that my children and grandchildren will always laugh... So that they will not forget to laugh, so that they will see it as a duty to laugh no matter what life brings...’ Today, she still follows the works, although not as much as before. She is interested in art and believes in the healing power of art. We end our conversation with his words: ‘At my age, the most precious paper for me is a museum ticket. The most beautiful route is art villages. My conversations with the artists I have just met and our mutual friendship are priceless happiness...’
He worked as a ‘mentor’ in foreign trade for 70 years, and he bookised his ‘deep’ experiences.
How much we can handle with a single click of a button today, right? The benefits of technology make our lives much easier, for example in foreign trade transactions. Was it like that in the 1950s? For example, there was a black book with customs tariffs listed from I to 99. To be memorized. Customs, licenses, foreign exchange transactions, foreign exchange restrictions, accreditations, guarantees, all kinds of rules, calculations with first-generation machines, foreign trade was a difficult task. Kemal Gülman, who took on this difficult job in those days, has been the 'mentor', so to speak, of the import regime for more than 70 years. We learn from his autobiography, İş'ten Hikâyeler (Stories from Work), that Kemal Gülman started his long business life, which he led mainly in imports, at the age of 16 in Tahtakale. E ser also deserves to be seen as a period book because of the steps Gülman took in foreign trade, his main field of business. I wandered around and found the office I was looking for in a tiny room in Tahtakale. I went and wrote 'Kemal Gülman Müessesesi' in huge letters on a signboard. Those who wanted to bring products from abroad but had never been in this business before, those who wanted to give it a try but didn't dare, would come to our office. What was I doing? I was taking care of every job that I guaranteed a 10 percent profit, that did not contravene the legislation, and that had customs clearance. 'İŞ'TENHİKELERELER, Kemal Gülman, Gülman Group Almost all of us are familiar with 'TAHTAKAKALE', right? We don't need to be a trader; even if we don't travel or live in Istanbul
Gazetelere ve matbaalara hitap eden makinalar Avrupa’dan getiriliyor. Yani ithalatçı ilk işyeri. Önceleri getir-götür işleri yapan, ilk nesil fotokopi makinalarının başında duran Gülman, işletme içinde yürütülen görüşmeleri yakından takip ediyor. Neler konuşuluyor, hangi işler planlıyor ve hepsinden önemlisi bu ticaretin mevzuat kısmı ilgisini çekiyor Gülman’ın. Bu ilgi, zamanla uzmanlığa, kendi işini kurmaya uzanıyor. Dünyanın her tarafından ithal ürün getiriyor Kemal Gülman. Ne bulursa, memlekette neye ihtiyaç varsa, temsilciliğini alsın almasın, hangi firma ile anlaştıysa satın alıp Türkiye’ye getirdiği mallar, endüstrilere ilaç gibi geliyor. Yanı sıra nihai ürün de getiriyor. Bir milyon spor ayakkabı getiriyor örneğin. Ürünün kral olduğu dönemler… Dış ticaret alanında uzmanlaşan Kemal Gülman, dönem dönem sanayiye adım atsa da, ortaklıklar kurarak farklı alanlarda faaliyet yürütse de ticareti, en çok da dış ticareti seviyor. Gümrük mevzuatında uzmanlaşıyor. Tarifeleri eksiksiz ezberliyor. İlgili yayınları tek tek okuyor, en çok da gümrük tarifelerinin yazdı olduğu siyah kitabı. Merkez Bankası lisansları, kambiyo işlemleri, döviz giriş çıkışları, akreditasyonlar, teminatlar, kurallar, kaideler tek tek zihnine yerleşiyor Gülman’ın. Zamanla öyle bir hale geliyor ki gümrükle ilgili işi olan Kemal Gülman’ı buluyor. Alanında akıl danışılan nerede ise döneminin tek adresi oluyor. Hatta, yalnızca dış ticaret işi olan firma temsilcilerine değil, gümrük memurlarına, Ankara’daki ilgili dairelere de yol yordam gösteriyor Gülman. Yukarıdaki satırlar için bugün, ithalattan, gayrimenkul geliştirmeye, yenilebilir enerjiden girişim sermayesi yatırımlarına kadar değişik alanlarda faaliyet yürüten Gülman Group’un kurucusunun hayat hikâyesinin kendi ağzından aktardığı İşten Hikâyeler’-Tecrübelerim, Tavsiyelerim adını taşıyan kitabımdan yararlandım.
Businessperson Kemal Gülman's memoir “İş'ten Hikâyeler” (Stories from Business) takes the reader through the turning points of dozens of achievements over 90 years. The memoir, in which he writes about the important events of his life starting from his childhood, gives important advice to young people. 'Always be curious, no matter what you do, observe, examine your surroundings, ask, learn,' Gülman says. Kemal Gülman, who counts taking care of more than one project at the same time among his business maxims, ends his book with the words “Laughter is a choice, don't give up laughing, those who don't laugh are unlucky”, referring to his favorite surname.