Sabahattin Zaim was an academic economist and educator who made significant contributions in the fields of labor economics, social policy, and Islamic economics in Türkiye. Born in 1926 in the town of İştip, part of Skopje in Macedonia, Zaim migrated to Türkiye with his family in 1934 and settled in Istanbul. He completed his higher education in 1947 at the Faculty of Political Sciences of Ankara University and began his academic career in 1953 at the Chair of Social Policy at Istanbul University’s Faculty of Economics. Throughout his approximately half-century-long academic career, Zaim held various positions in public and civil society organizations and contributed to the institutionalization of economic and social policy studies in Türkiye. Sabahattin Zaim passed away on 10 December 2007 at the age of 81. His name continues to be honored through various educational institutions, including Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, established in 2010.

Sabahattin Zaim Infographic (Anadolu Agency)

Early Life and Family

Sabahattin Zaim was born in 1926 in the İştip district of Skopje, Macedonia. His father’s name was Mehmed Efendi and his mother’s name was Saime Hanım. On his father’s side, the family lineage traces back to Aslan Zaîm, who migrated from Konya to the Balkans in the 17th century and was granted a zeâmet (land grant) for his participation in regional conquests, leading to the adoption of the surname “Zaim.” On his mother’s side, the family lineage extends to Âyan Ahmed Ağa, son of Kara Otmanlı Ali Ağa, who settled in Köprülü from the Caucasus during the same century.

Following increased pressure against Turks and Muslims in Yugoslavia after World War I, Zaim’s family migrated to Türkiye in 1934 and settled in Istanbul.

Educational Life

Sabahattin Zaim began his education at the age of five in İştip. After his family’s migration to Türkiye in 1934, he continued his primary education at Fethiye Primary School in Istanbul’s Fatih district and graduated in 1937. He then completed his middle school education at Fatih Secondary School in 1940. He pursued his secondary education at Istanbul Vefa High School, graduating in 1943 from the classical branch, where he studied Latin and English as part of his curriculum.

In 1943, Zaim passed the university entrance examination and enrolled in the Administrative Branch of the Faculty of Political Sciences at Ankara University, graduating in 1947. After completing his undergraduate studies, he received a degree equivalence from Ankara University’s Faculty of Law in 1950.

Subprefect Years (1947–1953)

After completing his higher education, Sabahattin Zaim began his civil service in Istanbul in 1947 as a personal assistant. From 1947 to 1949, he served as acting subprefect in the districts of Fatih and Eyüp. Following this period, he was appointed as a full subprefect in 1950 and assigned to Kâhta district of Malatya (today part of Adıyaman). After his service in Kâhta, he served as subprefect in Ayancık, Sinop, and Abana, Kastamonu, holding these positions from 1950 to 1953.

During this period, Zaim conducted studies on the administrative structures of the districts where he served; his years as subprefect constituted his first formal experience in public administration. His transition to academia occurred at the end of this period.

Sabahattin Zaim (Anadolu Agency)

Academic Career

In 1953, Sabahattin Zaim left his position as subprefect and began his academic career as an assistant at the Chair of Social Policy at Istanbul University’s Faculty of Economics. He continued his doctoral studies at the same faculty and earned his doctorate in 1955. Among the professors who taught him during his doctoral studies were German academics who had moved to Türkiye, including Gerhard Kessler, Fritz Neumark, and Alfred Isaac.

In 1955, the year he completed his doctorate, Zaim traveled to the United States to conduct academic research at Cornell University. There, he prepared his associate professorship thesis. Upon returning to Türkiye, he passed the associate professorship examination and began his tenure as a faculty member at the Chair of Social Policy at Istanbul University’s Faculty of Economics in 1957. He served as an associate professor at the same chair from 1957 to 1965. His research during this period focused on social policy, labor force, productivity, and industrial structures, laying the foundation for more comprehensive studies in these areas in later years.

In 1963, Zaim traveled to West Germany to learn a second foreign language required for professorship. Between 1963 and 1964, he served as a visiting faculty member at the University of Munich. Upon returning to Türkiye, he was promoted to professor in 1965 and began his duties as a professor at Istanbul University’s Faculty of Economics. Throughout his professorship, he continued teaching and conducting research in the fields of social policy, labor economics, and labor markets.

In 1979, Zaim was appointed head of the Chair of Social Policy, a position he held until his retirement from Istanbul University. His core academic responsibilities at Istanbul University included teaching at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, directing research projects, and managing the chair. Additionally, he served as a faculty member at Istanbul University’s Institute of Business Economics between 1973–1980 and 1983–1993.

Sabahattin Zaim completed his regular faculty position at Istanbul University in July 1993 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age.

Overseas Academic Appointments

Sabahattin Zaim’s first overseas academic appointment was his research at Cornell University in the United States between 1955 and 1957. His second overseas academic role was as a visiting faculty member at the University of Munich in West Germany between 1963 and 1964.

Between 1980 and 1982, he served as a visiting faculty member at the Department of Socio-Technical Studies, Faculty of Engineering, King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During this period, he was on leave from Istanbul University and taught courses for two years in the relevant department.

Zaim’s highest-level administrative academic position abroad was as founding rector of the International University of Sarajevo, a role he held between 2003 and 2004.

Additionally, until 2006, he served as a member of the board of trustees of the International Balkan University in Skopje, Macedonia.

Sakarya University and YÖK Membership Period (1993–2000)

Following his retirement from Istanbul University in July 1993, Zaim was appointed as founding dean of the Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences at the newly established Sakarya University, as part of a legislative change in the Higher Education Council framework that same year. From 1993 to 1996, he served as dean of the Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences and continued his academic duties as a professor at the university from 1993 to 1998. During this period, he taught courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels and also attended graduate courses at the Labor Economics Department of Istanbul University’s Faculty of Economics as an external participant.

Zaim retired for the second time from Sakarya University in 1998. In the same year, he was appointed as a member of the Higher Education Council (YÖK) and served in this capacity from 1998 to 2000. His YÖK membership represented one of the highest national administrative roles he undertook during the formative period of higher education policy in Türkiye.

Scientific Works and Academic Contributions

Sabahattin Zaim’s academic work focused on numerous areas including labor economics, social policy, labor markets, productivity, industrial regions, population, income policies, and Islamic economics. It is noted that Zaim is recognized as one of the founders of labor economics as a discipline in Türkiye, and his pioneering research covered topics such as labor, productivity, labor markets, industrial regions, migration patterns, and urban planning. During his time in the United States, he studied the emerging literature on labor economics and introduced this approach to Türkiye, contributing to the institutional development of the Chair of Social Policy.^【1】

Among Zaim’s key scientific works are his doctoral thesis İstanbul Mensucat Sanayiinin Bünyesi ve Ücretler (1956) and Çalışma Ekonomisi (1968). The former is described as an example of applying theoretical economics to industrial structure. Other works by Zaim include Modern İktisat ve İslâm (1969), İslâm ve İktisadî Nizam (1979), Türkiye’de Nüfus Meselesi (1973), Türkiye’de Ücret ve Gelirler Siyaseti (1974), İslâm’ın İktisadî Görüşü (1981), İslâm, İnsan ve Ekonomi (1992), and Türkiye’nin İktisadî ve Sosyal Gelişmesinde İşgücü ve Prodüktivite Meselelerinin Önemi ve Tesiri. Additionally, between 1980 and 1981, he served as the representative for Islamic banking within the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), a role that reflected the practical application of his academic work.

In the field of Islamic economics, Sabahattin Zaim is regarded as one of the early researchers who contributed to the development of the literature in Türkiye. He was among the first to bring Islamic economics topics to the Turkish agenda and had the opportunity to study the literature during his time in the United States. In 1976, he served as deputy chair at the First World Congress of Islamic Economics held in Mecca and later published original and translated works on Islamic economics.

Among Zaim’s articles, the study titled “İktisadî Faaliyetlerde İslâmî Davranış Tarzı” (1978) and the English-language article “Contemporary Turkish Literature on Islamic Economics” (1980) stand out. These works both discuss the Islamic approach within the framework of behavioral economics and introduce the developing Turkish literature to the international academic community.

Sabahattin Zaim produced numerous articles, conference papers, and lecture texts, with his total publications estimated to number nearly 180. These works address topics such as labor policies, wage theories, work ethics, regional development, and economic behavior patterns. He also contributed to the compilation of literature and prepared texts evaluating Türkiye’s social and economic structure.

Administrative Roles, Public Services, and Activities in Industrial Organizations

In addition to his academic work, Sabahattin Zaim held administrative positions in various public institutions and industrial organizations. These roles involved activities related to public administration, efficiency policies, and industrial restructuring during different periods.

His first public service role was as a member of the Social Affairs Civil Committee of the Turkish National Unity Committee between 1960 and 1961. Between 1975 and 1977, he served on the Board of Directors of the National Productivity Center, contributing to studies on labor productivity and productivity policies in Türkiye.

Among his industrial activities, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Pancar Motor (Gümüş Motor) between 1958 and 1963. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of SOYTAŞ and SOYTUR A.Ş. between 1975 and 1980, as a member and supervisor of Uzel Tractor Industry between 1977 and 1980, as a member of the Board of Directors of TÜMOSAN between 1977 and 1979, and as a supervisor of Anadolu Glass Industry A.Ş. between 1975 and 1978.

In the financial sector, his activities included serving as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Faisal Finance Corporation A.Ş. between 1998 and 2001, and as an advisor and member of the Audit Board of Kuveyt-Türk Finance Corporation since 1995.

Zaim’s administrative activities extended beyond universities. Between 1977 and 1979, he served on the Board of Trustees of Middle East Technical University. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the International Islamic University (Islamabad) after 1985.

Relationships and Memberships in Civil Society Organizations

In addition to his academic and administrative roles, Sabahattin Zaim was actively involved in various civil society organizations over many years.

At the international level, he was a member of the International Industrial Relations Society (Switzerland), the American International Industrial Relations Society, and the International Society of Muslim Social Scientists (USA). He was also among the founding members of the International Society of Islamic Economists in Leicester, England.

In Türkiye, he served as a founding or board member in various educational, cultural, and intellectual organizations. He was both a founding member and board member of the Society for the Dissemination of Science and the Society for the Dissemination of Science Foundation. He was a founding member of the Turkish National Culture Foundation, the Turkish Intellectuals’ Hearth, and the Foundation for Research on Islamic Sciences. He also served as founding president of the Business World Foundation and president of the Anatolian Education Foundation.

In addition, he was a member of the Civil Servants Union (member no: 367) and the Türkiye Yeşilay Society (member no: 6985). He also served as a founding member of the Vefa High School Alumni Foundation.

Intellectual Approaches and Perspective

Sabahattin Zaim’s intellectual framework was shaped primarily around social policy, labor economics, conservative modernization, education, human-centered development, religion-science relations, and East-West comparison.

Zaim defined social policy as a discipline that scientifically examines labor issues. He categorized social policy according to its intersections with disciplines such as sociology, economics, and psychology.^【2】

In Zaim’s intellectual approach, the “human” is clearly central. According to him, the decisive factor in societal development is the human element, and the common feature of successful societies is their effective utilization of human resources. In this context, Zaim emphasized that development depends on human cultivation.

Regarding education, his approach was based on criticism of the Turkish education system’s failure to develop a curriculum aligned with social dynamics. He argued that direct transplantation of Western models had not yielded results and that education must be compatible with societal values. He believed that adopting Western educational models without cultural or mental adaptation would fail to produce desired outcomes; he advocated that the education system must follow both local and universal guidelines.^【3】

In the context of religion-science relations, Zaim is recognized as an academic who rejected the notion that modern science must conflict with religion. He argued that the problematic relationship between positivist science and religion is not an essential component of scientific activity. He noted that in his works, he often cited relevant Quranic verses at the beginning of chapters to illuminate the subject matter.^【4】

In Zaim’s intellectual framework, East-West comparison also holds significant importance. While analyzing the different impacts of modernization processes on social structures, he argued that Türkiye’s modernization experience is rooted in a distinct social background different from the West, and that discussions of modernization remain incomplete if these differences are ignored. He emphasized that due to the interruption of industrialization in Ottoman society and the distinctiveness of its social structure, the pains of Western modernization were not experienced identically.^【5】

Another key influence on Zaim’s intellectual approach is the concept of conservative modernization. Sources indicate that Zaim developed a progressive and developmental model within the conservative thought framework, exemplifying conservative modernization through his practices in finance, development, and education. This approach is based on the view that a balance must be struck between adopting Western scientific and technological achievements and preserving cultural values.^【6】

Zaim’s intellectual perspective also emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking and openness to other fields of science. He believed that a scientist must deepen expertise in their own field while maintaining engagement with other disciplines.

Students and Academic Legacy

Sabahattin Zaim’s academic legacy is evident through the large number of students he mentored over many years at various higher education institutions and the prominent roles these students later assumed in Türkiye’s public administration, politics, academia, and business world.

Zaim’s relationship with his students extended beyond classroom activities. He regularly hosted students at his home for discussions and intellectual exchange.

Among his students are many prominent figures, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Abdullah Gül, Nazım Ekren, Beşir Atalay, Kemal Unakıtan, Nevzat Yalçıntaş, and Sami Güçlü.

Death and Institutions Preserving His Name

Sabahattin Zaim passed away on the night of 10 December 2007 at 04:15, at the age of 81, while undergoing treatment for lymphatic cancer. His funeral prayer at Fatih Mosque was attended by a broad spectrum of political and bureaucratic figures of the time, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Abdullah Gül, Ahmet Davutoğlu, Nevzat Yalçıntaş, Numan Kurtulmuş, Kemal Unakıtan, Kadir Topbaş, and Ali Coşkun, as well as prominent figures from politics, education, and economics. The funeral prayer was led by Muhammed Emin Saraç, a representative of the religious establishment. Zaim’s body was buried in the family cemetery at Edirnekapı Cemetery following the ceremony. Since his death, commemorative events have been regularly organized by various institutions.

Following his death, educational institutions were established in various cities of Türkiye to institutionalize Zaim’s academic and social contributions. Among these, the higher education institution established in 2010 by the Society for the Dissemination of Science Foundation, named “Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University,” is the most comprehensive and institutionalized educational structure bearing his name. In addition to Istanbul, educational institutions and dormitories bearing his name have been established in Sakarya, Gaziantep, and many other provinces.

Awards

“Honor Gift for Service to Turkish National Culture,” Turkish National Culture Foundation, 7 February 1990.

“World Prize for Islamic Economics,” Islamic Development Bank, 1992.

“Islamic Bank Prize,” LARIBA Banking, Los Angeles, United States, 1996.

“Outstanding Service Award and Honorary Membership,” Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association (MÜSİAD), 2002.

“Outstanding Service Award,” Turkish Writers Union, 2003.

“Gratitude Award to a Humanitarian,” Birlik Foundation, 9 May 2005.

“Outstanding Service Award and Medal,” Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, 2 May 2006.^【7】

Works and Publications

Sabahattin Zaim authored 20 books and 174 articles.

Books

• İstanbul Mensucat Sanayiinin Bünyesi ve Ücretler, Istanbul University Faculty of Economics Publications, 1956.
• Türkiye'nin İktisadî ve Sosyal Gelişmesinde İşgücü ve Prodüktivite Meselelerinin Önemi ve Tesiri, Near and Middle East Institute Publications No: 5, 1962.
• Türkiye Fikir İşçileri ve İstihdam Şartları, Turkish Society for Economic and Social Research Publications, Istanbul, 1962.
• Bursa Vilayetinin İktisadî Bünyesi ve Gelişme İmkânları Hakkında Ön Proje, co-authored, Istanbul University Faculty of Economics and Bursa Chamber of Commerce, Istanbul, 1962.
• İşletme İdaresi ve Moral, translation, Istanbul University Faculty of Economics Publications, Istanbul, 1962.
• Modern İktisat ve İslâm, National Turkish Student Union Press and Publication Directorate, Istanbul, 1969.
• İktisadî Doktrinler, Özel Galatasaray Yüksek İktisat ve Ticaret Okulu, Istanbul, 1970.
• Bölge ve Şehir Planlaması Yönünden İstanbul Sanayi Bölgeleri, Istanbul University Faculty of Economics Publications, Istanbul, 1971.
• Çalışma Ekonomisi, Istanbul University Faculty of Economics Publications and Filiz Kitabevi, multiple editions (1962, 1968, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1986, 1990, 1992, 1997).
• Türkiye'de Ücret ve Gelirler Siyaseti, Turkish Employers’ Union Publications, Ankara, 1974.
• Türkiye'de Nüfus Meselesi, Boğaziçi Publications, Istanbul, 1973.
• Ortadoğu Ülkeleri Arasında İktisadî İşbirliği İmkânları, Kubbealtı Neşriyat, Istanbul.
• İslâm ve İktisadî Nizam, Tekbir Publications, Karabük Branch, 1979.
• İslâm'ın İktisadî Görüşü, Yeni Asya Publications, Istanbul, 1981.
• Dünya İslâm Ticaret Merkezi – World Islamic Trade Center, Economic Report, Turkish and English, Ankara, 1985.
• İslâm, İnsan ve Ekonomi, 1st and 2nd editions, Yeni Asya Publications, Istanbul, 1989 and 1992.
• Survey of Muslim Education: Turkey, The Islamic Academy, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 1985 (Sabahattin Zaim and Necla Dinçar).
• Türk ve İslâm Dünyasının Yeniden Yapılanması, 2nd edition, Nil Anonymous Company, İzmir, 1997.
• Türkiye'nin Yirminci Yüzyılı, İşaret Publications, Istanbul, 2005.
• Hatıralarım, İşaret Publications, Istanbul, 2008.^【8】

Selected Articles

• “Türkiye'nin Millî Ücret Siyaseti”
• “İktisadî Devlet Teşebbüslerinde Prodüktivite ve Rantabilite”
• “Sanayileşmenin Türkiye'nin Sosyal ve İktisadî Gelişmesine Tesiri”
• “Avrupa Ortak Pazarı ve Türkiye”
• “Türkiye'de Toplu Sözleşme Düzeninin İktisadî ve Sosyal Sahadaki Tesirleri”
• “İslâm Ülkeleri Arasında İktisadî İşbirliği İmkânları”
• “Toplu Sözleşmelerde Değişken Ücret Uygulaması (Eşel–Mobil)”
• “İşçi ve İşveren Kuruluşlarının Sosyoekonomik Önemi”
• “Socio-Economic Problems of Rapid Urbanization: ‘The Middle East City, Ancient and Traditions Confronts a Modern World’”
• “Vakıflarımızın İktisadî ve Sosyal Açıdan Değerlendirilmesi”
• “Mimar Sinan Döneminin İktisadî Durumu”
• “Modern Education in Turkey, Cambridge, United Kingdom”
• “Türkiye'nin İktisadî Meselesi: İç Borç Faiz Sarmalı”^【9】

Selected International Seminars and Conferences Presented

• Fifth International Conference on Islamic Economics, Bahrain, 2003; Fourth Conference, Loughborough, United Kingdom, 2000; Third Conference, Malaysia; Second Conference, Pakistan; First Conference, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 1976.
• International Seminar on Monetary and Fiscal Policy in Islam, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 1978.
• First World Conference on Muslim Education, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 1977; Third Conference, Bangladesh; Fifth Conference, Cairo, Egypt.
• Conference of World Assembly of Muslim Youth, Nairobi, Kenya; Istanbul, Türkiye; Çanakkale, Türkiye; Girne, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, 1982, 1980, 1979, 1978.
• International Conference of Fosis (Federation of Students Islamic Societies), Loughborough, United Kingdom, 1976.
• First World Conference on Solidarity in Science and Technology among Muslim Countries, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 1976.
• Islamic World Youth Conference, Tripoli, Libya, 1973.
• Conference of International Industrial Relations, London, United Kingdom, 1972; Geneva, Switzerland, 1967; Philadelphia, United States, 1962.
• International Conference on Industrial Relations System in Islam, Islamabad, Pakistan, April 1992.^【10】