The Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Campus was established on a site that has witnessed history. The Agriculture and Veterinary School Building, opened in 1892 during the reign of Abdülhamid II, gives the İZÜ Campus a historic identity. Walking the corridors and paths where our National Anthem poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy first studied and then taught, students enjoy the privilege of studying in the shadow of this historic fabric. The dining hall of Mehmed Âkif and his friends is used today as the Office of the Rector of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University. The area above and around the inner door is decorated with the National Anthem in full and a large portrait of Âkif.
Committed to the Values of Civilization
“Being committed to the values of civilization” is one of İZÜ’s essentials. Attaching importance to the human virtues needed by our country and humanity, İZÜ aims to instil in students the principles of our ancient civilization—goodness, honesty, good character, solidarity and humility—together with professional competence. At İZÜ, where a holistic approach combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience prevails, different educational models come to the fore.
Chronological History
- 1884 – The Higher School of Agriculture (Ziraat Mektebi Ali) was founded during the reign of Abdülhamid II
- 1889 – ‘Civil Veterinary students’ began their studies
- 1892 – The building in Halkalı was officially opened
- 1893 – The school gave its first graduates. Mehmet Akif was among them, graduating first in the Veterinary department.
- 1895 – It gave its first graduates under the name Halkalı Higher School of Agriculture (Halkalı Ziraat Mekteb-i Ali).
- 1914 – During World War I, classes at the Halkalı School of Agriculture were also suspended. Most of the teachers and students rushed to the front. Most of the students became veterans or martyrs.
- 1916 – The school was reopened due to the need for agricultural production, seed inspection and distribution during the war.
- 1928 – The school was closed by the Law on the Reform of Education (Islah-ı Tedrisat).
- 1930 – It reopened as a 3-year secondary vocational school under the name Halkalı School of Agriculture.
- 1980 – The period of study was extended to 4 years.
- 2005 – The school was closed and replaced by the Directorate of the Halkalı Agricultural Production Enterprise Agricultural Extension and In-Service Training Center.
- 2010 – Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University was founded.