Istanbul University

The origins of Istanbul University date back to 1453 when it was first founded by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, based upon philosophy, law and medicine. Initially constituting the two Medreses (theological schools) of Zeyrek and Hagia Sophia, subjects focused upon included astronomy, geography, philosophy, philology, and literature. Throughout the next few centuries, as a result of the modernizing world these schools were restructured and combined to form the Darülfünûn (House of Sciences) in 1846. With the founding of the Darülfünûn came increased emphasis on applied physics courses, literature and law, as well as mathematics and theology. In 1912 the school was again renamed as the Istanbul Darülfünûnu (House of Multiple Sciences), as courses offered increased and the curriculum was broadened to include the recently established schools of chemistry, physics, law, and theology. On April 21, 1924, the Republic of Turkey officially recognized Istanbul Darülfünûnu as a state school. After the reforms of Mustafa Atatürk, including the unification of the three separate educational strands of the Ottoman system, increase in availability of education (particularly coeducation of boys and girls) as well as numerous political and economic reforms, Istanbul Darülfünûnu was recognized as Istanbul University on August 1, 1933. Classes officially began on November 1, 1933. Today Istanbul University is an internationally recognized institute of higher learning, with over 170 000 students and twenty two faculties dedicated to research and education.