High above us, a flag waves gently in the breeze. This marks our location near the Eğitim Fakültesi. What stories do these walls hold?
The Eğitim Fakültesi stands as a beacon of learning. It contributes significantly to Istanbul’s rich educational landscape. Let us delve into the history and significance of similar institutions in this vibrant city.
Istanbul boasts a long and storied history of educational institutions. Istanbul University, for example, traces its origins back to 1453. It was founded by Mehmed II, right after the conquest of Constantinople. This makes it one of the oldest universities in Turkey. It started as a school of philosophy, medicine, law, and letters. This evolved into the modern Istanbul University we know today.
Istanbul University has gone through many transformations. It was initially a medrese. This is an Islamic theological school. Over time, it evolved into the Darülfünun. This was a technical institute. In 1933, it became Istanbul University.
The Darülfünun-u Osmani was founded in 1863. However, it was shut down in 1871. Hasan Tahsini was its first rector. He was an important Ottoman scholar. The Darülfünun-u Sultani started offering law classes in French in 1874. It closed in 1881.
In 1900, the Imperial College of Sciences was re-established. It had departments in theology, arts, mathematics, science, and philology. In 1924, faculties of law, medicine, arts, and sciences were founded. This occurred in Istanbul Darülfünunu. Islamic theology was added in 1925. The university was reorganized in 1933, without theology.
Istanbul University’s main campus is at Beyazıt Square. This area has historical significance dating back to Roman times. Constantine the Great built the Forum Tauri here. Theodosius the Great later enlarged it into the Forum of Theodosius. Some Roman and Byzantine ruins are still visible.
The main building of Istanbul University stands on the site of the Old Palace. The Ottoman Turks built the first palace here in Istanbul. It was completed in 1458. Mehmed II lived there. Later he moved to Topkapı Palace. The Old Palace remained important. It housed the families of deceased sultans.
The current main building was designed by a French architect named Bourgerois. It was completed in 1865-1866. It served as the Ottoman Empire’s Ministry of War. The Blue Hall and Pink Hall feature an orientalist style. The Rector’s Office was once the Minister of War’s office. It still contains Enver Pasha’s desk. He was the Minister of War from 1914 to 1918.
The Eğitim Fakültesi benefits from Istanbul’s commitment to education. Institutions like Istanbul Technical University offer continuous education programs. These programs support lifelong learning. Istanbul Technical University aims to develop innovative programs. They want to meet the evolving needs of various sectors. Their programs cover technology, management, engineering, finance, and entrepreneurship.
The Rare Books Library at Istanbul University is a treasure. Kemaleddin Bey designed the building in 1913. It houses about 93000 volumes. These include printed books, manuscripts, journals, newspapers, maps, and plans. The library also has the Abdülhamid II Collection. It contains 36585 photographs.
Istanbul University has partnerships with universities worldwide. These include Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Arizona. They also collaborate with universities in South Korea, Japan, and Europe. These collaborations enhance the university’s academic environment.
As we stand here near the Eğitim Fakültesi, consider the long line of educators who have passed through these halls. May the pursuit of knowledge continue to flourish in Istanbul.