“The best. That’s what it strives for” I whispered. That’s the motto of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa. We stand before its imposing rectorate building. A testament to history and ambition. This magnificent structure didn’t spring up overnight. Its story is interwoven with Istanbul’s own vibrant past.
The Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Rectorate Building didn’t always house a university. It began life as a wooden building. Sultan Abdülaziz had it constructed in the mid-19th century. It served as the Bab-ı Seraskeri. This was the Ottoman military headquarters. A grand structure replaced the original wooden one in 1866. This new building was designed by the French architect Bourgeois.
The building’s location is significant. It stands near the Süleymaniye and II. Beyazıt complexes. Its Neo-Renaissance style reflects the era’s architectural tastes. The 1894 Istanbul earthquake damaged the building. Raimondo d’Aranco a renowned architect restored it. After the establishment of the Republic in 1923 the building transferred from the War Ministry to the Darülfünun. This was the Ottoman Empire’s first university.
In 1933 the University Reform transformed the Darülfünun into Istanbul University. The rectorate building became the university’s central hub. It has served that purpose continuously. Architects Ekrem Hakkı Ayverdi worked on its restoration in the 1930s and 1950s. Aybike Baydar Salar oversaw further restoration work in 2013-2015.
The building stands as a symbol of Istanbul University’s enduring legacy. Its grand entrance and intricate ceiling work are breathtaking. Its large area makes it one of the largest buildings in the historic peninsula. This stately building hosted important events. Decisions made during the Balkan and First World Wars echoed within its walls. Enver Pasha’s desk remains. It stands as a reminder of the decisions made there.
The building encompasses more than just bricks and mortar. The elegant Blue and Pink Salons showcase orientalist decoration. These rooms are testament to the university’s rich heritage. The current rector’s office was once the office of the Ottoman War Minister. Even today meetings take place in the building’s “Kilıçlık Salonu”. This is the hall where officers once prepared for ceremonies. A library gifted by the Izmir Hamidiye Industrial School in honor of Sultan Abdülhamid’s 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne resides here.
The Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Rectorate Building is more than just a building. It is a living testament. This building is a living record of Istanbul’s history. It showcases the city’s evolution. It inspires the future. Today the building is the home of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa. It continues to serve the cause of education and research.