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Calouste GulbenkianEntrepreneur and billionaire of Armenian descent
Date of Birth: 29.03.1869
Country:  France |
Content:
- Calouste Gulbenkian: Armenian Oil Tycoon and Philanthropist
- Engineering and Oil Exploration
- The Birth of Iraq Petroleum
- Political and Economic Influence
- Royal Dutch Shell and Turkish Petroleum
- Philanthropy and Legacy
Calouste Gulbenkian: Armenian Oil Tycoon and Philanthropist
Early Life and EducationCalouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, born on March 23, 1869, in Constantinople, hailed from a wealthy Armenian family involved in commerce and banking. He received his early education at the Aramyan-Unchyan school and the French school of Surb Hovsep.
Engineering and Oil Exploration
Gulbenkian pursued engineering at the Royal College of Science in London, graduating with honors in 1887. His thesis on oil resources in the Middle East caught the attention of the Ottoman Empire's Ministry of Mines, leading to his appointment to assess oil fields in Mesopotamia.
The Birth of Iraq Petroleum
With an investment of £30,000 from his father, Gulbenkian established his own business in London in 1892. He played a pivotal role in the creation of the Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC) in 1914, providing a framework for oil exploration and production in the Middle East.
Political and Economic Influence
Gulbenkian's appointment as economic advisor to the Ottoman embassies in Paris and London in 1898 granted him significant political and economic influence. He held British citizenship and maintained connections in Europe and the Middle East, including the Ottoman Empire.
Royal Dutch Shell and Turkish Petroleum
Gulbenkian was instrumental in the formation of Royal Dutch Shell. He also advised on the establishment of Turkish Petroleum Company (TPC), which later evolved into IPC. Through TPC, he secured a 5% stake in the company, earning the moniker "Mr. Five Percent."
Philanthropy and Legacy
Gulbenkian was a renowned philanthropist, establishing the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in 1956. The foundation supports cultural, educational, and social initiatives worldwide. Gulbenkian passed away on July 20, 1955, leaving behind a significant legacy as a pioneering figure in the oil industry, a shrewd negotiator, and a dedicated philanthropist.
