He is widely credited with having laid the bases for Turkey's modern and nationally renowned performing arts institution that became the Istanbul City Theatres (Turkish: İstanbul Şehir Tiyatroları).

In his qualities of organizer, sponsor and figure of support for writers and spectators, Güllü Agop is one of the 19th century pioneers of the Turkish Theatre art as a whole.

"Güllü Agop" (literally Jacob the Rosy) was the name under which he had come to be known in the world of theatre.

[2] He is the father of Necip Yakup Aşkın, considered as one of the most prominent violin masters Turkey produced and his grandson, Yücel Aşkın, was the rector of Van's Yüzüncü Yıl University.

After retiring from the army where he served as colonel, he became an actor and took part in around 50 movies.