What if the foundation of a nation’s future rested within these very walls? Today we stand before the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences. It is a cornerstone of Ankara University. This faculty plays a vital role in shaping Turkey’s intellectual landscape.
Ankara University holds a unique place in Turkish history. It was the first higher education institution in Turkey. It came after the formation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk established it. He envisioned it as a beacon of knowledge for the new nation.
The roots of Ankara University stretch back further than the Republic itself. The Faculty of Political Science began in 1859. It was in Istanbul and intended to educate the Ottoman Empire’s bureaucracy. Over time, it transformed. It became the School of Political Science. Atatürk moved the school to Ankara after the Republic’s founding. In 1950, it officially became the Faculty of Political Science. It joined Ankara University.
The university grew adding more faculties. The Law School opened in 1925. The School of Language and History-Geography followed in 1935. The Faculty of Science was established in 1943. Medicine joined in 1945. Veterinary Medicine, with roots in 1842, became part of the university. Divinity came in 1949. Pharmacy was established in 1960. Dentistry became a faculty in 1977. Educational Sciences and Communication, known as İLEF, were founded in 1965.
In 1996, the Çankırı Faculty of Forestry and the Health Education Faculty opened. More recently, Fine Arts and Applied Sciences were established in 2015. The Faculty of Open and Distance Education was founded in 2020. Ankara University offers many programs. There are 40 vocational programs, 120 undergraduate programs, and 110 graduate programs.
Ankara University also emphasizes research. It houses many research centers. These centers support its academic mission. As of the latest data, the university operates 41 such centers. One notable center is TÖMER. It teaches many languages. These include Turkish, English, German, and many more.
The Kreiken Observatory is another key center. It provides opportunities for astronomy research. It also offers educational events for the public. The Women Issues Research Center addresses gender issues. It launched the “Women Research” master’s program. The Small Entrepreneurship Research Center studies small businesses. It also offers programs for academics and entrepreneurs.
The Distance Education Center offers remote learning opportunities. The university also operates CESUR. It focuses on superconducting materials. ATAUM promotes knowledge of the European Union. The Center for Earthquake Research studies seismic activity.
Ankara University’s influence extends beyond Turkey. Its Department of Japanese Language received commendation. It was for promoting Japanese language education.
Many notable people have been associated with Ankara University. Bülent Arınç was a politician and former speaker. Deniz Baykal was a politician and party leader. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu served as Foreign Minister. Adnan Menderes was a former prime minister. Ahmet Necdet Sezer was President of Turkey. These are just a few of the accomplished individuals.
As you stand here, consider the weight of history and the promise of the future. The Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences is more than just a building. It is a center of learning. It shapes leaders and contributes to Turkey and the world.