13.01.2026 22:32
The letter sent by Vehbi Koç, one of the prominent figures in Turkey's business world, to his son Rahmi Koç emphasizes that his grandchildren should be raised not with privilege but with discipline and hard work. Even after many years, this letter stands out as a striking document that remains relevant. In his letter, Koç underscores that the family surname should be a responsibility, not a privilege, and he also provides important advice on how his grandchildren should be raised.
It has emerged that Vehbi Koç, the founder of the Koç Group, wrote a letter to his son Rahmi Koç regarding his grandchildren Mustafa, Ömer, and Ali Koç. The letter contains important advice on how to raise his grandchildren and includes striking messages about work discipline and family upbringing.
"I AM SADDENED TO SEE THAT THEY ARE RECEIVING PRIVILEGES"
In his letter, Vehbi Koç expresses his discomfort with the fact that his grandchildren are receiving preferential treatment in the companies they work for:
"Mustafa works at RAM. You have placed Ömer with Mr. Alpay Bağrıaçık. You have also assigned Ali to RAMERİCA.
As far as I can see, it is essential for these children to be well-raised. However, I see that they are being treated as Rahmi Koç's son, and I am very saddened. The hours they come and go are clear."
"THEY SHOULD COME AND GO TO WORK LIKE EVERYONE ELSE"
Vehbi Koç emphasizes that his grandchildren should not be seen as different from other employees and shares a model letter that Rahmi Koç should write to the company managers:
"My son Mustafa Koç works in your company. For Mustafa to be well-raised, he must come to work regularly like other employees, leave on time, and perform the assigned tasks properly."
"THEY SHOULD NOT BE IDENTIFIED AS MEMBERS OF THE KOÇ FAMILY"
In the continuation of the letter, Vehbi Koç emphasizes that his grandchildren should not be given any privileges and highlights the importance of supervision:
"He should not be treated in any way as Rahmi Koç's son, and this feeling should not be given to Mustafa either.
I kindly request that you provide me with confidential information about Mustafa every three months."
"THEY WILL BE ASSIGNED ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITIES"
At the end of his letter, Vehbi Koç clearly states that the future positions of his grandchildren will be determined by their abilities and efforts, not by their surname:
"I have three sons. In the future, they will take their positions in companies and the Holding according to their abilities.
I kindly ask you to pay utmost attention to this matter."