Dr. Vasfi Samim (1905-1981): A successful veterinarian, artist and sportsman in Albania

Abstract

This biographical research aims to reveal the professional life and scientific works of Dr. Vasfi Samim. Dr. Vasfi Samim (1905–1981) was an internationally renowned Albanian veterinarian registered in the Ottoman State Register, who has been considered as an accomplished veterinarian, zootechnist, artist as well as sportsman in Albania. After graduating from the Higher Veterinary School (Baytar Mekteb-i Alisi) in Istanbul in 1927, Dr. Vasfi Samim completed his doctorate in the field of veterinary zootechny at the Berlin Higher Veterinary School in 1931. Upon returning to his country, he provided the structuring and development of animal health, breeding and zootechnical disciplines at international standards through serving important administrative duties. Dr. Vasfi Samim has 27 scientific articles on veterinary infectious diseases, animal breeding, selection, and crossbreeding as well as 11 books with social, cultural and political themes, 16 stories, 43 essays, and 23 theater works. He also played in Fenerbahçe, one of Türkiye’s well-established sports clubs, and in Albanian football teams, and became an exemplary role model by being a manager in the national and international promotion and development of Albanian sports. Dr. Vasfi Samim should be remembered as an influential veterinarian, and an intellectual personality for the region he was grown in and for the world.