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Istanbul University

Coordinates: 41°00′46.93″N 28°57′49.95″E / 41.0130361°N 28.9638750°E / 41.0130361; 28.9638750
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For the separate, similarly named university which formerly constituted a part of Istanbul University, see Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa.

Istanbul University
Turkish: İstanbul Üniversitesi
Latin: Universitas Istanbulensis[1]
MottoTurkish: Tarihten Geleceğe Bilim Köprüsü
Motto in English
Science Bridge from Past to the Future
TypePublic university
Research university
Established1453 (Medâris-i Semâniye ve Fâtih Dârüşşifâsı)
1846 (Dârülfünûn)
1933 (University)
RectorProf. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar
Academic staff
4,260[2]
Administrative staff
6,049[2]
Students64,032[2]
Undergraduates45,449[2]
Postgraduates18,583[2]
Location
Istanbul
,
Turkey

41°00′46.93″N 28°57′49.95″E / 41.0130361°N 28.9638750°E / 41.0130361; 28.9638750
CampusBeyazıt Campus
Vezneciler Campus
Avcılar Campus
Çapa Campus
Kadıköy Campus
FounderMehmed II
Colors  Green   Yellow
AffiliationsCoimbra Group
EUA
UNIMED
Websitewww.istanbul.edu.tr

Istanbul University, also known as University of Istanbul (Turkish: İstanbul Üniversitesi), is a prominent public research university located in Istanbul, Turkey. Founded by Mehmed II on May 30, 1453, a day after the conquest of Constantinople by the Turks,[3] it was reformed in 1846 as the first Ottoman higher education institution based on European traditions.[4][5] The successor institution, which has been operating under its current name since 1933, is the first university in modern Turkey.[6]

Istanbul University is consistently ranked first in Turkey and among the top 500 universities in the world according to the recently published Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU 2024).[7] At present, there are 64,032 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students[8] studying in 33 academic units,[9] including faculties, institutes, colleges, and vocational schools at 10 campuses.[10] The main campus is adjacent to Beyazıt Square in Fatih, the capital district of the province, on the European side of the city.

Istanbul University alumni include two Nobel laureates, Aziz Sancar in Chemistry and Orhan Pamuk in Literature,[11][12] as well as President of Turkey Abdullah Gül, six Prime Ministers of Turkey, including Suat Hayri Ürgüplü, Sadi Irmak, Nihat Erim, Refik Saydam, Naim Talu, Yıldırım Akbulut, and the current mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu. The alumni also include the longest-serving President of Israel Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, as well as David Ben-Gurion and Moshe Sharett, who both served as Prime Ministers of Israel.

History

[edit]
See also: University of Constantinople
The main entrance to Istanbul University, 1950s

Origins of Istanbul University go back to 1453,[13][3] when it was founded by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II "as a school of philosophy, medicine, law and letters".[13] There was also the Byzantine era University of Constantinople, which was founded in 425 AD by the East Roman emperor Theodosius II as the Pandidacterium (it was later rebranded as the Phanar Greek Orthodox College after the Fall of Constantinople in 1453). Istanbul University functioned as a Medrese (Islamic theological school) as well. This madrasa is regarded as the precursor to the Darülfünûn (technical institute or university. Literally: House of Natural Sciences), which evolved into Istanbul University in 1933.[14] Education in a number of sciences and fields (such as medicine, mathematics, astronomy, cartography, geography, history, philosophy, religion, literature, philology, law, etc.) became available, and, until the 19th century, they were instrumental in educating the ruling cadres of the Ottoman society. However, when the medreses were no longer able to meet the needs of the modern world, a restructuring process began, and as a result, the institutions of higher education called Darülfünûn, the core of Istanbul University, was established.

An institution of higher education named the Darülfünûn-u Osmanî (Ottoman Polytechnic Institute) was created in 1863, but suppressed in 1871.[14] Its first rector was Hasan Tahsini, regarded as one of the most important Ottoman scholars of the 19th century. In 1874 the Imperial Polytechnic Institute (Darülfünûn-u Sultanî) (Ottoman Turkish: دار الفنون سلطاني) started classes in law in French, but was closed in 1881.[14]

The Imperial University, now known as Darülfünûn-u Şahâne was refounded in 1900, with the departments of theology, arts, mathematics, science and philology.[14] In 1924, the faculties of law, medicine, arts and sciences were established in Istanbul University (İstanbul Darülfünûnu), as the university was now called.[14] Islamic theology was added in 1925, but in 1933 the university was reorganized without the latter.[14]

The arched monumental gate of Istanbul University on the reverse of the 500 lira banknote (1971–1984)
Main entrance gate of Istanbul University on Beyazıt Square, which was known as Forum Tauri (later Forum of Theodosius) in the late Roman period. Beyazıt Tower, located within the campus, is seen in the background, to the right of the flagpole.

The first modern Applied Physics courses were given at the Darülfünûn on 31 December 1863, which marked the beginning of a new period, and on 20 February 1870, the school was renamed as the Darülfünûn-u Osmanî (Ottoman House of Multiple Sciences) and reorganized to meet the needs of modern sciences and technologies. Starting from 1874, some classes of Literature, Law and Applied Sciences were given at the building of Galatasaray High School, which continued regularly until 1881. On 1 September 1900, the school was renamed and reorganized as the Darülfünûn-u Şahâne (Royal Polytechnic Institute) with courses on Mathematics, Literature and Theology. On 20 April 1912, the school was renamed as the İstanbul Darülfünûnu (Istanbul Polytechnic Institute) while the number of courses were increased and the curricula were modernized with the establishment of the Schools of Medicine, Law, Applied Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), Literature and Theology.

On 21 April 1924, the Republic of Turkey recognized the İstanbul Darülfünûnu as a state school, and on 7 October 1925, the administrative autonomy of İstanbul Darülfünûnu was recognized while the Schools (within the old Medrese system) became modern Faculties. The Darülfünûnu counted with five faculties: medicine, law, letters, theology and science.[15] The professors of the Darülfünûnu had academic freedom as mentioned in Article 2 of Law 493[16]

On 1 August 1933, İstanbul Darülfünûnu was reorganized as İstanbul Üniversitesi (Istanbul University)[17] following the educational reforms of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Classes officially began on 1 November 1933.

Campus

[edit]
Late Roman and early Byzantine remains at the Istanbul University campus next to Beyazıt Tower.

The university has seventeen faculties on five campuses; the main campus being on Beyazıt Square, which was originally built by Constantine the Great as the Forum Tauri and was later enlarged by Theodosius the Great as the Forum of Theodosius during the Roman period.

The main campus building with its landmark gate was previously used as the headquarters of the Harbiye Nezareti (Ministry of War) by the Ottoman government. Located on the grounds is the Beyazıt Tower, an 85 m (279 ft) tall fire-watch tower. The grounds were previously the location of the Ottoman era Eski Saray (Old Palace). Some Roman and Byzantine ruins are still visible on the grounds.

The university has a teaching staff of 2,000 professors and associates and 4,000 assistants and younger staff. More than 60,000 undergraduate and 8,000 postgraduate students follow the courses offered by Istanbul University every year.

The main gate was depicted on the reverse of the Turkish 500 lira banknotes of 1971–1984.[18]

International perspective and rankings

[edit]
University rankings
Global – Overall
ARWU World[19]401–500 (2024)
CWUR World[20]644 (2020–2021)
CWTS World[21]355 (2020)
QS World[22]621–630 (2025)
QS Employability[23]301-500 (2022)
RUR World[24]536 (2020)
THE World[24]801–1000 (2021)
USNWR Global[25]745 (2022)
Global – Liberal arts
QS Arts & Humanities[26]281 (1st nationwide) (2023)
QS Social Sciences and Management[27]353 (4th nationwide) (2023)
Global – Life sciences and medicine
QS Life Sciences & Medicine[28]309 (2nd nationwide) (2023)
Global – Science and engineering
QS Engineering & Tech.[29]451-500 (9th nationwide) (2023)
QS Natural Sciences[30]451-500 (5th nationwide) (2023)
Regional – Overall
QS Emerging Europe and Central Asia[31]23 (2022)

Istanbul University School of Business is the only AACSB-Accredited Business School among the public universities in Turkey.[32] Istanbul University School of Business was founded in 1954 with the collaboration of Harvard Business School and the Ford Foundation.[33]

In the QS World University Rankings 2024, Istanbul University is ranked at 711–720th globally.[34] In the broad subject areas, it is ranked 281st in "Arts and Humanities", 309th in "Life Sciences and Medicine", 353th in "Social Sciences and Management", 451-500th in "Natural Sciences, and 451-500th in "Engineering & Technology".[35]

In the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2019, Istanbul University is ranked at 401–500th worldwide (1st in Turkey). It is also ranked at 251–300th in "Veterinary Sciences", 401–500th in "Clinical Medicine", 101–150th in "Dentistry & Oral Sciences", 201–300th in "Nursing", and 301–400th in "Medical Technology".[36][37][38][39][40][41]

In 2020, Times Higher Education ranked the university top 1000 in the world, 301–400th in "Clinical, pre-clinical and health", 401–500th in "Education", 501–600th in "Social Sciences", and 601–800th in "Life Sciences".[42]

The Best Global Universities Ranking 2021 of the U.S. News & World Report ranks Istanbul University 714th in the world, 225th in "Surgery", 243rd in "Clinical Medicine", 195th in "Endocrinology and Metabolism", 255th in "Neuroscience and Behavior", 383rd in "Molecular Biology and Genetics", 442nd in "Plant and Animal Science", 446th in "Biology and Biochemistry", and 593rd in "Physics".[43]

By CWTS Leiden Ranking 2019, Istanbul University is ranked 335th (overall), 196th in "Biomedical and Health Sciences", 374th in "Life and Earth Sciences", 669th in "Mathematics and Computer Science", 544th in "Physical Sciences and Engineering", and 570th in "Social Sciences and Humanities".[44]

By Round University Ranking 2019, Istanbul University is ranked 529th in the world, 490th in "Humanities", 496th in "Life Sciences", 329th in "Medical Sciences", 556th in "Natural Sciences", 506th in "Social Sciences" and 600th in "Technical Sciences".[45][46]

Notable faculty

[edit]
Istanbul University Observatory
Interior of the main building

See also Academic staff of Istanbul University for a detailed list.

  • Halide Edib Adıvar – Renowned Turkish author and scholar, notable for her works on social and political issues in Turkey.
  • Asaf Savaş Akat – Economist and prominent professor known for his contributions to the fields of economic theory and policy.
  • Cahit Arf – Influential Turkish mathematician recognized for his work on algebraic topology and number theory.
  • Süleyman Ateş – Scholar of Islamic studies and philosophy, noted for his contributions to understanding Islamic thought.
  • Halet Çambel – Archaeologist and historian, one of the first Turkish women to become an archaeologist.
  • Süheyl Batum – Economist and educator known for his work in economic theory and policy.
  • Cemil Bilsel – Political scientist and academic, known for his studies on the Turkish political system.
  • Rıza Tevfik Bölükbaşı – Philosopher and politician, prominent for his contributions to Turkish philosophy.
  • Muazzez İlmiye Çığ – Renowned archaeologist and Assyriologist, recognized for her research on the Sumerians.
  • Zeynep Ergun – Notable sociologist and academic, known for her studies on social structures in Turkey.
  • Semavi Eyice – Art historian, famous for his research on Byzantine art.
  • Sabahattin Eyüboğlu – Writer, translator, and intellectual, known for his works on art and culture.
  • Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu – Diplomat and former Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
  • Mehmet Fuat Köprülü – Historian and scholar of Ottoman history, widely recognized for his works on Turkish literature and history.
  • Şebnem Korur Fincancı – Human rights activist and forensic medicine expert, known for her work on human rights and forensic investigations.
  • Zeyyat Hatiboğlu – Political scientist, notable for his work on Turkish political history.
  • Ayşe Işıl Karakaş – Legal scholar, known for her contributions to constitutional and human rights law.
  • Şevket Aziz Kansu – Historian and academic, recognized for his studies on the modern history of Turkey.
  • Numan Kurtulmuş – Politician and academic, known for his work in the field of political science and governance.
  • Burhan Kuzu – Legal scholar and politician, noted for his work in constitutional law and legal reform.
  • İbrahim Kafesoğlu – Historian and academic, famous for his work on Turkish history and culture.
  • Enver Ziya Karal – Historian, known for his studies on Ottoman history and Turkish culture.
  • Ayhan Ulubelen – Chemist and professor, notable for his work in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry.
  • Bilge Umar – Renowned linguist and academic known for her studies on Turkish language structure.
  • Süleyman Yalçın – Expert in economics and public policy, noted for his work on economic development and policy analysis.
  • Hasan Âli Yücel – A prominent intellectual, educator, and former Minister of National Education in Turkey.
  • Tahsin Yazıcı – Scholar known for his studies in Turkish language, literature, and history.
  • Levon Zekiyan – Professor of Turkish language and literature, widely recognized for his contributions to literary studies in Turkey.
  • Muammer Aksoy – Sociologist and intellectual, famous for his work on social issues and Turkish modernism.
  • Ahmet Ferit Tek – Historian and academic, known for his work on Turkish history and literature.

Notable alumni

[edit]

See also Istanbul University alumni for a detailed list.

Notable expatriate academic staff

[edit]
[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Studia et opuscula in honorem Universitatis Istanbulensis physiologiae professoris publici ordinarii Hans Winterstein septuagenarii ab amicis collegis famulisque conscripta XXXI. Iulii A.D. MCMXXXXIX (in Latin). 1949.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Sayılarla İstanbul Üniversitesi". sayilarla.istanbul.edu.tr. Archived from the original on 16 November 2020. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Istanbul University". Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  4. ^ Günergun, Feza; Kadıoğlu, Sevtap (2006). "İSTANBUL ÜNİVERSİTESİ'NİN YERLEŞİM TARİHÇESİ ÜZERİNE NOTLAR". Osmanlı Bilimi Araştırmaları. 1 (8): 135–163. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
  5. ^ "İstanbul Üniversitesi'nin kuruluşunun 86. yıl dönümü! İstanbul Üniversitesi tarihi". haberler.com (in Turkish). Archived from the original on 14 November 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  6. ^ "Üniversitelerin kuruluş tarihleri". cnnturk.com (in Turkish). CNN Türk. 20 June 2015. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  7. ^ "Shanghai Ranking Universities". www.shanghairanking.com. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  8. ^ "Sayılarla İstanbul Üniversitesi". istanbul.edu.tr (in Turkish). Istanbul University. Archived from the original on 16 November 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  9. ^ "İSTANBUL ÜNİVERSİTESİ'ndeki Tüm Programlar (Alfabetik Sırada)". yokatlas.yok.gov.tr (in Turkish). Council of Higher Education (Turkey). Archived from the original on 10 August 2020. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  10. ^ "Yerleşim". istanbul.edu.tr (in Turkish). Archived from the original on 25 October 2016. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  11. ^ "The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2015". NobelPrize.org. Archived from the original on 21 May 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  12. ^ "The Nobel Prize in Literature 2006". NobelPrize.org. Archived from the original on 2 July 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  13. ^ a b "Istanbul University". Times Higher Education. Archived from the original on 21 November 2020. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  14. ^ a b c d e f Rüegg, Walter: "European Universities and Similar Institutions in Existence between 1812 and the End of 1944: A Chronological List", in: Rüegg, Walter (ed.): A History of the University in Europe. Vol. 3: Universities in the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries (1800–1945), Cambridge University Press, 2004, ISBN 978-0-521-36107-1, p. 687
  15. ^ Gedlkoğlu, Tokay (1995). "Changing Models of University Government in Turkey". Minerva. 33 (2): 152. ISSN 0026-4695.
  16. ^ Gedlkoğlu, Tokay (1995).p.152
  17. ^ Gedlkoğlu, Tokay (1995).p.156
  18. ^ Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey "Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey". Archived from the original on 15 June 2009. Retrieved 5 January 2008.. Banknote Museum: 6. Emission Group – Five Hundred Turkish Lira – I. Series Archived 4 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine & II. Series Archived 4 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine. – Retrieved 20 April 2009.
  19. ^ "Shanghai Ranking Universities". www.shanghairanking.com. Archived from the original on 15 August 2019.
  20. ^ "CWUR World University Rankings – 2020–2021". CWUR. 10 July 2020. Archived from the original on 8 June 2020. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  21. ^ Studies (CWTS), Centre for Science and Technology. "CWTS Leiden Ranking". CWTS Leiden Ranking. Archived from the original on 2 February 2011. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  22. ^ "QS World University Rankings 2025". Top Universities. Archived from the original on 8 June 2018. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  23. ^ "QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022". Top Universities. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  24. ^ a b "World University Rankings". Times Higher Education (THE). 25 August 2020. Archived from the original on 29 May 2021. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  25. ^ "U.S. News Education: Best Global Universities 2022 – Istanbul University". Archived from the original on 6 April 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  26. ^ "QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Arts and Humanities". Top Universities. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  27. ^ "QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Social Sciences & Management". Top Universities. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  28. ^ "QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Life Sciences & Medicine". Top Universities. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  29. ^ "QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Engineering & Technology". Top Universities. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  30. ^ "QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Natural Sciences". Top Universities. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  31. ^ "QS World University Rankings-Emerging Europe & Central Asia". Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  32. ^ "Find AACSB-Accredited Business Schools | AACSB". aacsb.edu. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  33. ^ "Celebrating 100 Years of Case Method Teaching & Learning". Harvard Business School. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  34. ^ "Istanbul University". Top Universities. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  35. ^ "Istanbul University". Top Universities.
  36. ^ "Istanbul University | Academic Ranking of World Universities – 2019 | Shanghai Ranking – 2019". shanghairanking.com. Archived from the original on 11 November 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  37. ^ "ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019 – Veterinary Sciences | Shanghai Ranking – 2019". shanghairanking.com. Archived from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  38. ^ "ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019 – Clinical Medicine | Shanghai Ranking – 2019". shanghairanking.com. Archived from the original on 16 May 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  39. ^ "ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019 – Dentistry & Oral Sciences | Shanghai Ranking – 2019". shanghairanking.com. Archived from the original on 8 March 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  40. ^ "ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019 – Nursing | Shanghai Ranking – 2019". shanghairanking.com. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  41. ^ "ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019 – Medical Technology | Shanghai Ranking – 2019". shanghairanking.com. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  42. ^ "Istanbul University". Times Higher Education (THE). 17 June 2021. Archived from the original on 6 April 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  43. ^ "US News Best Global Universities". Archived from the original on 6 April 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  44. ^ Studies (CWTS), Centre for Science and Technology. "CWTS Leiden Ranking". CWTS Leiden Ranking. Archived from the original on 2 February 2011. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  45. ^ "World University Rankings". roundranking.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  46. ^ "Istanbul University". roundranking.com. Archived from the original on 4 November 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
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