Educational Institutions

Bahçeşehir University Istanbul

As a distinguished private educational institution in Turkey, Bahçeşehir University (BAU) has demonstrated remarkable progress in the realm of higher education, with several key features defining its ethos:

1.Founding and International Collaborations:

   Established in 1998 under the auspices of the Bahçeşehir Uğur Education Foundation, BAU obtained accreditation from the Turkish National Assembly. Noteworthy is its strategic alliance with San Diego State University in California, USA, shortly after its inception, exemplifying BAU's dedication to fostering global partnerships and enriching academic offerings.

2.Language of Instruction and English Proficiency:

   Setting itself apart, BAU conducts its lectures primarily in English, distinguishing it among Turkish universities. Consequently, prospective students are required to demonstrate high proficiency in English, underscoring BAU's commitment to preparing graduates for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

3.Campuses and International Reach:

   With seven campuses strategically positioned across various continents—two in the US (Washington DC and Boston), one each in Canada (Toronto), Italy (Rome), Germany (Berlin), Georgia (Batumi), and China (Hong Kong)—BAU facilitates cross-cultural exchange, research collaborations, and diverse learning opportunities on a global scale.

4.International Partnerships:

   Through collaborations with over 193 international institutions, including prestigious universities like Harvard University, BAU has established a robust network for knowledge exchange, joint research endeavors, and student mobility, further enhancing its global standing.

5.World University Rankings:

   Bahçeşehir University's academic prowess is underscored by its ranking in the 601-800 band worldwide and its fifth position among Turkish universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2023 World University Rankings, reaffirming its dedication to academic excellence and global competitiveness.

6.Electronics Engineering Department:

   BAU's Electronics Engineering Department offers a comprehensive spectrum of disciplines, spanning from electrical circuits and devices to cutting-edge areas such as VLSI design, communication, and biomedical visualization. These domains epitomize BAU's commitment to pioneering research and practical applications in electronics.

In conclusion, Bahçeşehir University's global perspective, multilingual environment, and academic achievements position it as a prominent institution in both the Turkish and international higher education landscapes. Its unwavering dedication to innovation and collaboration continues to propel its trajectory of success.

Lycée Français Privé Saint-Joseph

Lycée Saint-Joseph, also known as İstanbul Özel Saint-Joseph Fransız Lisesi, is a prestigious private high school situated in Istanbul, Turkey. Founded in 1870, it holds a rich history and continues to play a significant role in education.

1. Founding and Early Years:

   • The school was established by the Fran Society (Lasalle Institute), which was founded by Saint Jean-Baptiste upon its arrival in Turkey in 1841.

   • Initially, Pensionnat Saint-Joseph, a school for boys, was established in Pera (now Beyoğlu) in 1857.

   • Its successor, Frères des Ecoles Chrétiennes, came into existence in 1860.

   • The school faced location changes, including a move to a rental property in Moda, Kadıköy, before returning to Pera due to building ownership issues.

   • Sultan Abdulaziz granted permission for the school to construct its own building in 1864, but a subsequent declaration in 1870 reaffirmed this right after the original declaration vanished.

   • On August 16, 1870, construction began, and the school established its 3-hectare (7.4-acre) campus in Pera. Consequently, 1870 is recognized as the school’s founding year.

2. Global Reach:

   • The Fran Society expanded its educational influence by opening schools in both Izmir and Istanbul.

   • Currently, the society boasts 7,225 members, 60,000 teachers, and an impressive 785,127 students across 1,800 schools in 84 different countries.

   • Notably, the school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1921, followed by its 100th in 1971 and 125th in 1996.

3. Inclusivity:

   • In 1987, the school took a significant step by admitting girls as students, broadening its educational impact.

4. Rebuilding Efforts:

   • Following the devastating August 17, 1999 earthquake, the school demonstrated resilience by rebuilding a school in Akarca.

   • This reconstructed institution is known as the Akarca Turkish-French Brotherhood Primary School.

The inception of the school traces back to its origins established by French Priests, operating under the banner of the "Frères des Ecoles Chrétiennes" (Christian Schools Brotherhood), founded by Saint John-Baptist de la Salle in France (Reims) in 1860. Initially known as "Pensionnat Saint-Joseph," the institution commenced its journey on Imam Street in Beyoğlu (Pera) in 1857. Due to spatial constraints, it relocated to Moda on the Asian side, only to revert to Beyoğlu following the sale of its premises by the landlord in 1864.

In March 1864, authorization was granted for Saint Joseph to erect its dedicated edifice on a designated parcel of land (3 hectares), bestowed by the then Sultan, Sultan Abdulaziz, through a decree to Emin Pasha. However, a delay ensued due to the misplacement of this decree. Subsequently, in 1870, Sultan Abdulaziz reissued the decree, this time to Hüsnü Pasha, facilitating the commencement of construction at the current site.

The construction initiative officially began after the devastating June fire of 1870 in Beyoğlu, with the laying of the foundation stone on August 16th, 1870. Despite the unfinished state of the paint, classes commenced in the new building on November 2nd of the same year. Initially comprising a wooden structure of two stories, reminiscent of the current central building, subsequent expansions were swiftly executed to accommodate the burgeoning reputation and enrollment.

By 1872, the four-story South East Wing, housing the Chess Room and high-school Vice Principal offices, was completed. Further expansions included the construction of the southwestern wing in 1874, known for housing the Turkish Vice Principal’s office and the Theater Hall. Additional facilities, such as the Caporal House in 1885 and extensions to existing wings, were introduced in subsequent years.

The transition into the 20th century witnessed significant milestones, including the establishment of a Commercial Institute in 1903, catalyzing a surge in enrollment and necessitating further infrastructure enhancements. The completion of the current Saint-Joseph College building in 1907 marked a pivotal architectural achievement.

In 1910, the renowned "Natural Science Museum" was inaugurated, showcasing collections curated by Frère Possesseur Jean and Frère Paramont-Felix. During the Balkan War in 1912, the school played a humanitarian role by offering its facilities to Kızılay for treating wounded soldiers, exemplifying its commitment to societal welfare.

Subsequent decades saw the school flourish, commemorating its 50th and 100th anniversaries in 1912 and 1971, respectively. Enrollment surged from its humble beginnings to approximately 1000 students, with the current enrollment standing at 739 students. As the Saint-Joseph Private French High School, under the oversight of the Turkish Ministry of Education, the institution remains steadfast in its mission to impart quality education, nurturing students to become exemplary citizens, well-equipped for higher education and diverse professional pursuits. Over the years, Saint-Joseph has proudly produced distinguished alumni across various fields, including military, politics, academia, diplomacy, business, sports, literature, arts, and cinema.