Last year I was doing some research at the Harvard Archives on George Sarton and I happened to stumble across this piece of information. 

I transcribe from George Sarton's diary for the years 1919-1942:

"Jan 22, 1942
In October 1934 a young man, Abdurrahman Aydin Mehmed Sayili was
introduced to me by the Turkish inspector of students in U.S. Aydin
has received a fellowship to study the history of science in H.U.
under my directions, and prepare himself to become a teacher in his
country. Aydin had made very good secondary studies in his native city
Ankara and was still very immature. I acted as his general tutor
guiding his scientific studies (math. Phys., chem) and advising him in
swimming and music. Today after more than seven years of faithful work
he obtained his PhD. (the first Ph.D in History of Science in H.U., -
perhaps the first in U.S?) with great distinction. He is a well
trained, critical and modest young man and I have great faith in him.
God bless him! "