Chronology

1869/03/23
Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian is born in Scutari, Istanbul, the son of Sarkis and Dirouhi Gulbenkian;

1883
Sent to Marseille to study;

1884
Begins studies at King’s College School in London;

1887
Associate of King’s College London;

1888
Travels to Baku;

1891
Publishes “La Transcaucasie et la Péninsule d’Apchéron”. Some chapters are reprinted in Revue des Deux Mondes;

1892
Marries Nevarte Essayan in London;

1896
A son, Nubar Sarkis, is born in Kadikoy, Istanbul (no descendants);

1900
A daughter, Rita Sirvarte, is born in London. (She marries Kevork Essayan and has a son, Mikhael Essayan);

1902
Takes British citizenship;

1909
Appointed financial adviser to Ottoman legation, London;

1912
Turkish Petroleum Company is created, in which Calouste Gulbenkian holds 15% of the capital;

1919
Appointed financial adviser to Persian legation, Paris;

1928
Signature of the “Red Line Agreement”;

1929
First of several purchases of art from the Hermitage, St Petersburg;

1930
President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union;

1942
Settles in Lisbon, living at the Hotel Aviz;

1948
“Red Line Agreement” is revised as “Working Agreement”;

1953/06/18
Signs the will that creates the Foundation;

1955/07/20
Dies in Lisbon, aged 86;

1969/10/02
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is opened.