Suna Kirac Net Worth: The Story and Legacy of an Iconic Art Collector

When it comes to art collecting, few names carry the same weight as Suna Kirac. The Turkish collector who passed in 2013, became known for her sharp eye, impeccable taste, and passion for contemporary art. Her legacy is one of philanthropy and dedication, but it’s also one of exceptional wealth. In this article, we’ll delve into Suna Kirac’s net worth, her early life and education, her career as an art collector, her personal life, and her legacy.

What is Suna Kirac’s Net Worth and Salary?

Suna Kirac’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.2 billion. She received her fortune after the sale of the Yapi Kredi Bank, based in Turkey. As a co-owner of the bank with her husband, Mustafa, Suna earned her billions from the sale in 2005. While her salary is unknown, it’s evident that her wealth allowed her to accumulate one of the world’s most impressive art collections and contribute generously to charities and foundations.

Early Life and Education

Suna Kirac was born on September 15th, 1941, in Istanbul, Turkey. Her parents were both active in the art world, and their home was often visited by notable artists and intellectuals. This environment undoubtedly had an impact on Suna’s formative years. She attended the prestigious Robert College of Istanbul, where she studied literature, art history, and philosophy. Despite her parents’ expectations for her to pursue a career in law, Suna’s interests lay in the field of art collecting.

Career

Suna Kirac’s career in art collecting began in earnest after she married Mustafa Kirac. The couple started their collection with contemporary Turkish art, but soon branched out into international works. The collection grew to include works from artists such as Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons, and Lucian Freud. Suna was known to have a keen eye and was active in hunting down exceptional pieces to add to her collection. In addition to her art collecting, Suna was also an active philanthropist. She served on several educational and cultural boards and supported charities that focused on preserving Turkey’s cultural heritage.

Personal Life

Suna Kirac was married to Mustafa Kirac, co-founder of the Kirac Holding conglomerate. The couple had two children and were known for their luxurious lifestyle. They had multiple residences, including a penthouse in Istanbul and a villa in St. Tropez. Suna was also an avid traveler and often visited art exhibitions around the world. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 but continued to remain active in the art world until her death in August 2013.

Real Estate

Suna Kirac owned multiple properties during her lifetime. In addition to her residences in Istanbul and St. Tropez, she was also the owner of a vineyard in Bordeaux, France. She was known for her lavish parties and events, often hosting them at her various properties. Her luxurious lifestyle and real estate holdings attest to her success as an art collector and entrepreneur.

Legacy

Suna Kirac’s legacy is one of philanthropic generosity, passion for the arts, and shrewd business smarts. Her art collection is considered one of the most impressive in the world and has been exhibited in galleries across the globe. Her philanthropic contributions have supported the arts, education, and heritage preservation in Turkey. Her impact on the art world and on Turkish culture will be felt for generations to come.

FAQs

1) What was Suna Kirac’s most valuable piece in her art collection?

Suna Kirac’s collection included several valuable pieces, including works by Jeff Koons, Lucian Freud, and Cindy Sherman. However, the most valuable piece in her collection was Gerhard Richter’s “A.B., Still.” The artwork sold for $34.2 million at a Christie’s auction in 2015.

2) Did Suna Kirac donate any of her artworks to museums or cultural institutions?

Yes, Suna Kirac donated several artworks to museums and cultural institutions worldwide. In 2012, she donated ten pieces from her collection to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. She also donated works to the Tate Modern in London and the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

3) Was Suna Kirac a self-made billionaire?

Suna Kirac inherited her wealth from her husband’s successful business ventures. However, she was also an accomplished art collector and philanthropist, using her resources to make a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Turkey and beyond.

4) How many pieces of art were in Suna Kirac’s collection?

Suna Kirac’s collection was vast and included over 800 artworks. The collection featured works from contemporary artists worldwide, including Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and Damien Hirst.

5) Did Suna Kirac ever serve in a political role?

Although Suna Kirac was an active philanthropist and supporter of civic causes, she did not serve in any political roles throughout her life.

6) What was Suna Kirac’s involvement in education in Turkey?

Suna Kirac was an active philanthropist and contributed significantly to education in Turkey. She was a founding member of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), which supports educational programs for underprivileged children. She also established the Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation, which supports education, the arts, and healthcare in Turkey.

7) What was the significance of Suna Kirac’s donation to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art?

Suna Kirac’s donation to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art represented a significant contribution to the Turkish art community. The donation included ten works from her collection and further cemented her reputation as a champion of contemporary art in Turkey.

8) Did Suna Kirac have any personal connections to the artists in her collection?

Suna Kirac had personal relationships with many of the artists in her collection, frequently hosting dinners and events at her homes for them. She was also known for traveling to artists’ studios to learn more about their creative processes and build relationships with them.

9) How did Suna Kirac’s philanthropy impact heritage preservation in Turkey?

Suna Kirac’s philanthropic contributions to heritage preservation in Turkey were significant. She was a supporter of many programs that focused on preserving Turkish architecture and ensuring the country’s cultural heritage was passed down to future generations.

10) Did Suna Kirac ever write about her experiences as an art collector?

Suna Kirac did not write any books about her experiences as an art collector. However, she often participated in interviews and panels discussing her collection and her passion for contemporary art.

11) Was Suna Kirac involved in any controversies during her lifetime?

There were no significant controversies or scandals associated with Suna Kirac during her lifetime.

12) Did Suna Kirac’s collection ever go on tour?

Yes, Suna Kirac’s collection went on tour several times and was exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide.

13) What types of events did Suna Kirac host at her various properties?

Suna Kirac was known for hosting lavish parties and events at her properties, often featuring prominent figures in the art and entertainment industries. These events included art exhibitions, film screenings, and dinners.

14) Did Suna Kirac ever collect pieces from any emerging artists?

While Suna Kirac’s collection primarily focused on contemporary artists, she did collect pieces from emerging artists occasionally. She was known for her support of young talent in the art world.

15) Did Suna Kirac have any favorite pieces in her collection?

Suna Kirac’s collection did not have any particular “favorites” as she was known for her love of all types of contemporary art. However, her collection did have several notable pieces, including Gerhard Richter’s “A.B., Still” and Jeff Koons’ “Rabbit.”