Explore Turkey’s Most Historic Universities

With its thousands of years of educational tradition, Turkey has an important heritage in science and culture. Among the most important carriers of this heritage are universities that have survived for centuries and contributed to the country's intellectual development. So, what are the oldest universities in Turkey? What are the famous universities in Turkey? In this article, we will examine Turkey's oldest and most well-established universities in detail, including their history, campus characteristics, and visit information.HistoryIstanbul University is based on the Sahn-ı Seman Madrasah, founded by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror on May 30, 1453, immediately after the conquest of Istanbul. This madrasah is considered to be the first higher education institution of the Ottoman Empire. The institution underwent various evolutions over time and became a university in the modern sense with the reforms made in 1933. Today, Istanbul University is the oldest and most established university in Turkey. Campus and Visit InformationThe main campus of the university is located in Beyazıt Square on the historical peninsula of Istanbul. The campus attracts attention with its historical buildings dating back to the Ottoman period and its extensive libraries. Visitors can visit the historical buildings within the campus and benefit from the rich archive of the university.Click for the locationHistoryIstanbul Technical University (ITU) was founded in 1773 during the reign of Mustafa III under the name Mühendishane-i Bahr-i Hümayun. This institution was opened to meet the needs of the Ottoman Empire in the field of naval engineering. In time, it started to provide education in land engineering and other technical fields, and in 1944, it took its current name. Campus and Visit InformationITU's main campus is located in the Maslak neighbourhood of Istanbul. The campus is known for its modern laboratories, research centres and large green areas. Visitors can visit the museums and exhibition areas within the campus.Click for the locationHistoryBoğaziçi University was founded in 1863 as Robert College. This institution was founded by American missionaries during the Ottoman period and over time became one of the most prestigious universities in Turkey. In 1971, it was renamed Boğaziçi University. Campus and Visit InformationThe main campus of the university is located in the Bebek neighbourhood of Istanbul, on the shores of the Bosphorus. The campus is famous for its historical buildings, green areas and Bosphorus view. Visitors can visit the museums and exhibition areas within the campus.Click for the locationHistoryFounded in 1882 by Osman Hamdi Bey as Sanayi-i Nefise Mektebi, this institution is Turkey's first fine arts school. It developed over time and took the name Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. The university has made significant contributions to Turkey's art and cultural life. Campus and Visit InformationThe main campus of the university is located in the Fındıklı neighbourhood of Istanbul, on the shores of the Bosphorus. The campus attracts attention with its historical buildings and art galleries. Visitors can follow the exhibitions and events organised by the university.Click for the locationHistoryAnkara University was founded in 1946 in Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Turkey. However, the roots of the university can be traced back to the Faculty of Law, founded in 1925 and the Faculty of Language and History-Geography, opened in 1935. These faculties are considered an indication of the importance Atatürk attached to higher education.Campus and Visit InformationVarious faculties of the university are located in different neighbourhoods of Ankara. Especially the Sıhhiye campus, where the Faculty of Language and History-Geography is located, is historically and architecturally important. Visitors can visit the museums and libraries on campus.Click for the locationHistoryKaradeniz Technical University (KTÜ) was established in Trabzon in 1955. It was the first university to be established outside Istanbul and Ankara. KTU provides education in many fields such as engineering, science, social sciences and health sciences.Campus and Visit InformationThe main campus of the university is located near the centre of Trabzon. The campus is known for its views of the Black Sea, green areas and modern facilities. Visitors can visit the social facilities and libraries on the campus.Click for the locationHistoryEge University was founded in 1955 in the Bornova district of Izmir. This university is the first university of the Aegean Region. Ege University provides education in many fields such as medicine, agriculture, science, literature and engineering. Campus and Visit InformationThe main campus of the university is spread over a large area in Bornova. The campus attracts attention with its green areas, sports facilities and cultural events. Visitors can visit the museums and exhibition areas on campus.Click for the locationHistoryHarran University was founded in the 8th century by the Umayyad Caliph Omar II. This university is considered one of the first institutions of higher education in the Islamic world. Harran University has made important studies especially in the fields of philosophy, astronomy and medicine. Campus and Visit InformationThe ruins of Harran University are located in the Harran district of Şanlıurfa. Visitors can tour the historical ruins and visit the museums in the area.

Explore the Oldest Universities in Turkey

1. Istanbul University (1453)

2. Istanbul Technical University (1773)

3. Boğaziçi University (1863)

4. Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (1882)

5. Ankara University (1946)

6. Karadeniz Technical University (1955)

7. Ege University (1955)

8. Bonus: The Harran University (Middle Ages)

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