Can you imagine learning not just for school but for life? That’s the motto of Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi. We stand before its Rectorate today. Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi is more than just a school. It’s a private university founded in 1996. It has quickly become a prominent institution in Istanbul.
Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi began with a clear vision. Its principle is “Non scholae, sed vitae discimus”. This Latin phrase translates to learning not for school but for life. The university aimed to be Turkey’s fourth university with this approach. Its early form was the Istanbul School of International Studies.
In 2007 Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi grew. It opened its SantralIstanbul Campus. This campus is on the site of the Silahtarağa Power Plant. This was the Ottoman Empire’s first urban power plant. Later in 2015 the Kozyatağı Campus opened. It’s on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Can Holding became a supporter in 2019. They supported the Bilgi Education and Culture Foundation. This foundation oversees the university. In 2020 Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi worked with Arizona State University. They wanted to improve education and research quality. Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi ranked high in the 2020 Turkey University Satisfaction Survey. It was among the A group universities in Turkey.
Students play a role in university decisions. Academic representatives from each department are elected. They are part of the university council. Student life is also vibrant. The university has many student clubs. In 2007 Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi created an LGBT student group. It was named Gökkuşağı meaning Rainbow. Since its start Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi has had a Board of Trustees. The current president is Dr. Çağrı Bağcıoğlu.
Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi has four campuses. SantralIstanbul Campus is the largest. It features the Main Gallery building. This is a place for art shows and cultural events. In 2010 the Main Gallery won an International Architecture Award. There is also an annex building. It provides space for about 3000 students.
Dolapdere Campus is near Taksim. It has won awards too. These include the Structure and Life Architecture Award in 2002. Also the European Award for Steel Structure in 2005. The Faculty of Health Sciences is here. You can also find the School of Applied Sciences here. A fitness center and swimming pool are also available. Kuştepe Campus is in the Şişli district. This was Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi’s first campus.
Libraries are essential for students. Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi has three libraries. They are at the Dolapdere Kuştepe and SantralIstanbul Campuses. The library system supports programs research and teaching. SantralIstanbul Campus also has the Energy Museum. Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi Press began in 2000.
The university has global connections. It has agreements in 40 countries with Erasmus and other programs. It’s part of the European University Association and other groups. These include the United Nations Global Compact. Also the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi also offers University of London double degree programs. The Council of Higher Education of Turkey accredits Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi. So does the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education.
Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi is ranked among the top universities. In 2024 it was recognized in the QS Sustainability Ranking. It was ranked as the fourth-best non-profit university in Turkey. The university is committed to environmental social and governance issues.
Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi began with a vision. Today it stands as a testament to that vision. It embodies learning for life not just for school. As we leave this place remember its dedication. It’s a dedication to education research and a better world.