Kegham Kavafyan

Kegham Kavafyan (Գեղամ Գաւաֆեան, born 1888 Istanbul, Ottoman Turkey – November 30, 1959 Switzerland) was an Ottoman Armenian architect. He is noted for his construction plans for the Süreyya Opera House in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul, Turkey.

Süreyya Opera House designed by Kavafyan

Kegham Kavafyan was born in Istanbul to Armenian parents. He received his primary education at the Armenian Surp Haç Tbrevank School in Üsküdar. He continued his education at the prestigious Berberian Academy. In 1910 he graduated from Ponts et Chaussées Civil Engineering School in Paris. After returning to Istanbul, he began designing and renovating many buildings in the city. By the order of Deputy of Istanbul Süreyya İlmen, Kegham Kavafyan was appointed the architect to the Süreyya Opera House which was completed in 1927. The opera house was known to be the first musical theatre on the Asian side of Istanbul. He also renovated the Mhitaryan Armenian School in the Pangaltı district of Istanbul in 1917. He became the principal of the Getronagan Armenian High School from 1917-27. Kegham Kavafyan died in Switzerland during therapy at the age of 71.