Andre Vahram Bayar (Kocabıyıkyan), born in Istanbul in 1890, served as a member of parliament for Istanbul in the ninth term of the Democrat Party while also practicing as a medical doctor. Bayar held various health-related positions both within and outside Türkiye, received his education in Paris, undertook several administrative roles within the Armenian community, and during his parliamentary term focused intensively on health policy initiatives. After his political career ended, he returned to private medical practice and passed away on 30 March 1965.

Life and Education

Andre Vahram Bayar, born in Istanbul in 1890, was the son of Aleksan Efendi and Akabi Hanım. His father, Aleksan Efendi, was a director of the newspaper Sabah and the owner of the Kocabıyıkyan Publishing House. Bayar used the name "Andre Vahram Kocabıyıkyan" in official records. He completed his primary education at Lusavoriç and his secondary education at Pakradunyats schools. During his studies at the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, he was conscripted into military service due to the Balkan Wars. After serving at the Maçka and Çanakkale Central Hospitals, he completed his training at the Pasteur Institute in Paris and graduated in 1914.

Medical and Social Responsibilities

As a medical doctor, Bayar worked at Boucicant Hospital in Paris and later returned to Istanbul in 1919 to provide voluntary service at the Halkevi Dispensary. He also held various positions within the Armenian community. Examples include membership in the Board of Directors of the Surp Pırgiç Armenian Hospital Foundation (1921–1922), presidency of the Beyoğlu Üç Horan Church Foundation (1926–1940, 1949–1950), and second vice presidency of the Armenian Community Delegates Council (1926).

Civic Participation and Institutional Roles

Bayar served in several public service roles, including membership in the Beyoğlu Administrative Board of the Turkish Aeronautical Association and second vice presidency of the Red Crescent Beyoğlu Branch. For many years, he practiced medicine in his private clinic in Beyoğlu, providing care to numerous patients, including state officials.

Parliamentary Service

Elected as a member of parliament for Istanbul from the Democrat Party list in the elections of 14 May 1950, Bayar began participating in parliamentary proceedings on 22 May 1950. An investigation initiated against him on allegations of serving abroad was dismissed by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye as unfounded. During his term, he served on the Health and Social Assistance Committee, submitted seven legislative proposals and three motions on health policy and social insurance regulations, and delivered twenty speeches.

Parliamentary Activities and Views

Bayar initiated numerous efforts on issues such as high drug prices, domestic pharmaceutical production, public health, and funding for health institutions. He spoke on assistance for the Yedikule Armenian Hospital, the Jewish Hospital, and the Balıklı Greek Hospital. He expressed opinions on regulations including the Forensic Medicine Law and restrictions on the number of pharmacies. He also actively voiced his views on foreign relations, including assessments of Türkiye-Vatican relations.

Later Years and Death

After his parliamentary term, Bayar returned to private medical practice and participated in initiatives contributing to Istanbul’s cultural life. He married Arusyak Hanım in 1928 and had one child. He spoke French and Romanian. He passed away on 30 March 1965, and his funeral was held on 2 April 1965 at the Beyoğlu Üç Horan Armenian Church, after which he was buried at the Şişli Armenian Cemetery.