Calouste Gulbenkian (23 March 1869 – 20 July 1955), known as “Mr. Five Percent”, was an influential Armenian businessman, oil magnate, and philanthropist whose life and legacy have had lasting effects across both the corporate and cultural worlds.
Born in Scutari, Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey), to an Armenian family, Gulbenkian’s lineage is said to trace back to the noble Rshtuni family, an ancient Armenian house. His education began at the Aramyan-Uncuyan Armenian school and later continued at Lycée Saint-Joseph, followed by Robert College, both in Constantinople. At the age of 15, Gulbenkian moved to Marseille, France, to perfect his French, and soon after, his father sent him to King’s College London, where he earned a degree in petroleum engineering by 1887.
Career and Influence
Gulbenkian was a pioneer in the global oil industry. His most notable business achievement was his involvement in negotiations that shaped the structure of the Middle Eastern oil industry. He played a key role in the creation of the Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC), earning his famous moniker, “Mr. Five Percent”, because of the 5% share he secured in almost all major Middle Eastern oil concessions. His foresight and expertise in the oil sector enabled him to become one of the wealthiest men of his time.
Art Collector and Philanthropist
Aside from his business acumen, Gulbenkian was a passionate art collector. He amassed one of the most impressive private art collections in the world, featuring European, Asian, and Middle Eastern art pieces, including works by Rembrandt, Turner, and Manet. Today, his collection is housed in the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, Portugal, an institution he founded to preserve his collection and promote culture.
In 1956, one year after his death, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation was established with the primary goal of promoting arts, education, science, and charity worldwide. His philanthropic spirit extended not only across Europe but also into Armenia, where he supported educational programs and contributed to the preservation of Armenian culture and heritage.
Legacy and Continued Impact
Gulbenkian’s legacy continues to this day through the activities of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which is still active in Armenia and around the world. His contributions to the art world and his role in shaping the oil industry have made him one of the most significant Armenian figures of the 20th century. His life’s work also highlights the importance of Armenian intellectual and financial contributions on the global stage.
For those interested in learning more about Calouste Gulbenkian’s life and legacy, his museum and foundation’s archives are rich sources of historical material, along with comprehensive biographies such as “Calouste Gulbenkian: The Man and His Legacy”, which provides a more detailed account of his business, cultural, and philanthropic achievements.