Temel İskit was born in 1937. Graduated from the Faculty of Law of Istanbul University. Joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1963.

During his diplomatic career covering forty years he served at various foreign missions of Turkey and held different posts at the Foreign Ministry’s central organization including that of Director General for EU Affairs and Deputy Undersecretary for Economic affairs. He was also the first Director General of Free Zones of Turkey.

As Ambassador, he served as Permanent Representative of Turkey with OECD (1990-1994) and Ambassador of Turkey to the Czech Republic (1997-1999). He was Ambassador of Turkey to Belgium and Permanent Representative of Turkey to West European Union in Brussels from 1999 to 2002 at which year he retired due to age limit.

After retirement Ambassador İskit lectured on international relations topics, in particular on history and practice of diplomacy for five years at Sabancı University and for one year at Bilgi University.

He is the author of three books : ‘Diplomacy-history, theory, institutions and practice’ and ‘The Making of Modern Middle East’ both published by Bilgi University Publishing House as well as ‘History of Diplomacy’ for Anadolu University Open and Distance Education Programme.