Born: 1955 (Muratlı, Tekirdağ, Turkey)
Died: 2003
Biography:
Nefise Akçelik (1955-2003) was a Turkish civil engineer who made significant contributions to the field of tunnel construction. She was born in the Muratlı district of Tekirdağ in Turkey in 1955. Akçelik completed her secondary education at Erenköy Girls’ High School in Istanbul. At a young age, she enrolled in the civil engineering department of Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi (KTÜ), where she was the only female student in her department.
Akçelik graduated from university in 1976 at the age of 20, having not only acquired a solid foundation in civil engineering but also having learned English and French. In 1989, she earned a master’s degree from the Department of Geotechnics in the Institute of Science at Gazi University in Ankara, becoming a technical chief.
In 1978, Akçelik began working at the General Directorate of Highways Technical Research Department, in the Ground Mechanics and Tunnels Branch Directorate. She quickly rose through the ranks, being appointed as chief of tunnel and structures before eventually becoming the deputy branch manager and branch manager. Throughout her career, Akçelik worked on over 200 tunnel and geotechnical projects. She was the driving force behind the successful completion of numerous tunnel constructions in Turkey.
Akçelik was known for her expertise in tunnel projects, construction, and road engineering services. She authored two books on problems in tunnel construction and weak ground problems and precautions on highways. Additionally, she wrote 21 articles that were published in national and international conference proceedings. Akçelik was an active participant in the International Tunneling and Underground Space Association, where she spoke at the conference on the Use of Underground Structures organized by the association in Istanbul in October 2002. She also contributed to the organization’s international working groups.
Beyond her professional achievements, Akçelik was an advocate for supporting other women engineers. She strived to inspire and empower women in the field of engineering, paving the way for future generations. Akçelik retired in September 2003 after a successful career that spanned decades.
On a personal note, Akçelik married her colleague İbrahim Ethem Akçelik in 1978. The couple had a daughter named Oya in 1979 and a son named Oğuz in 1989. Akçelik was known for her strong political beliefs, identifying as a socialist, anti-capitalist, anti-militarist, and internationalist. Tragically, she passed away on October 5, 2003, due to complications from cancer, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of civil engineering.