Kabataş Boys High School

Established by Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II, Kabataş Boys High School stands before you, steeped in history and prestige. Kabataş Boys High School isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to changing times, witnessing the fall of an empire, the birth of a republic, and the evolution of education in Turkey. Founded in 1908 as Kabataş Mekteb-i İdadisi, its initial purpose was to cultivate future leaders for the Ottoman Empire. The school educated boys exclusively until 1994 when it transitioned to a co-educational institution, further solidifying its prominent role in Turkish education. The original school building proved inadequate, leading to a move to the nearby Feriye Palaces. Imagine the halls once graced by Ottoman royalty now filled with the eager minds of students. These palaces offer a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus. They also hold a darker history, linked to the imprisonment and alleged murder of Sultan Abdülaziz II. The school’s history is interwoven with Turkey’s own. During the Balkan Wars, numerous students from Kabataş Boys High School went to fight on the front lines. The school adapted to the changing needs of the nation, becoming Kabataş Erkek Lisesi after the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923. Over time, a dormitory, dining hall, conference hall, and laboratories were added. The school even boasts a pioneering history in volleyball. In 1997, the introduction of English preparatory classes marked another step in its evolution. The school became an Anatolian High School in 1998, further enhancing its academic standing. Just a few years ago, in 2023, Kabataş Boys High School celebrated its 115th anniversary, a testament to its enduring legacy of excellence. The school continues to hold its position as a leading educational institution in Turkey, renowned for its high standards, international recognition, and accomplished alumni.