Whose whispers echo within the Ankara University, Law School? This grand institution, Hukuk Fakültesi, stands as a testament to Turkey’s pursuit of justice and legal reform. It is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a repository of dreams, ambitions, and the echoes of legal giants who once graced its halls.
Inaugurated by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk himself on November 5, 1925, Hukuk Fakültesi holds a unique place in Turkish history. It was the first university-level institution of the newly formed Republic. Atatürk’s words at the opening ceremony resonate even now. He declared that no other institution brought him as much joy. He saw it as the very guarantor of the Republic.
Originally named Ankara Adliye Hukuk Mektebi, the Hukuk Fakültesi emerged from a period of significant legal reform. Driven by the vision of Mahmut Esat Bozkurt, the school’s creation was a crucial step in establishing a modern legal system. Interestingly, the title “Professor” was first used in Turkish academia at this very institution, marking a departure from traditional titles.
The school’s early days were marked by both challenges and a pioneering spirit. The first classes were held in the Parliament building itself. Imagine young law students sharing space with the nation’s leaders. The first cohort graduated in 1928, setting the stage for generations of legal professionals to come. These early students witnessed pivotal moments in Turkish history, including the reading of Atatürk’s “Nutuk” and the establishment of Independence Tribunals.
The Hukuk Fakültesi eventually moved to its current location in Cebeci. The building itself, designed by Recai Akçay, speaks to the enduring legacy of this institution. Within its walls, countless legal minds have been shaped. The alumni list reads like a who’s who of Turkish leadership and influence, including former President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, former Prime Minister Adnan Menderes, and influential journalist Uğur Mumcu.
Hukuk Fakültesi also houses a remarkable library. With over 150,000 volumes, it is the largest specialized law library in Turkey. It’s not merely a collection of books. It’s a living archive of legal thought, a place where the past informs the present.
Today, as you stand before the Ankara University, Law School, remember the weight of history within these walls. The Hukuk Fakültesi is not just a place of learning. It’s a symbol of Turkey’s ongoing commitment to justice, a testament to the enduring power of law in shaping a nation. The whispers of legal giants still echo here, inspiring future generations to uphold the principles of law and justice.