Beşiktaş Anatolian High School, located right next to Ciragan Palace on the European side of the Istanbul Bosphorus, is one of the dazzling historical buildings of the coastline.
As you pass through the Bosporus by boat, this school building, which immediately catches attention with its elegant architecture and deep-rooted history, impresses visitors with its magnificent appearance reminiscent of a palace at first glance. A structure inherited from the Ottoman era, it is referred to as one of the pearls of the Bosporus and bears the traces of history in every corner. Although it is a contemporary educational institution, Beşiktaş Anatolian High School, enchanting with its historical texture from the outside, leaves a remarkable first impression that evokes admiration in both local and foreign tourists.
History
The historical building of Beşiktaş Anatolian High School was constructed in 1871 by Sultan Abdulaziz, commissioned to the famous architect Sarkis Balyan. Originally built as an additional structure to the Çırağan Palace complex, serving as the palace's harem quarters, this building is one of the finest examples of 19th-century Ottoman architecture, with its design and decorations. The original facade, rooms, and ceiling decorations have been preserved to this day, continuing to reflect the grandeur of that era. The building has also witnessed the dramatic history of the Ottoman dynasty, having been the place where Sultan V. Murad, who was deposed on the grounds of supposed insanity, spent 28 years of his life in captivity. Among the historical events that took place in this building is the famous raid led by Ali Suavi in 1878 on Çırağan Palace to reinstate V. Murad to the throne. The room that served as the private quarters of Sultan V. Murad is now used as the school's canteen.
With the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the building was transferred to the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Turkey and began to be used for educational purposes. The school opened in 1937 with a small group of students under the name Beşiktaş Middle School, and in the 1940-1941 academic year, it moved to this historic building and was renamed Beşiktaş 2nd Girls' Middle School. In the following years, following the closure of another school in the area and the admission of male students, the school transitioned to co-education. After being referred to as 'Beşiktaş Girls' High School' and later 'Beşiktaş High School' from the 1950s to the 1990s, it officially gained the status of Anatolian High School in 2006, adopting the name Beşiktaş Anatolian High School. The high school, which is still an active educational institution today, continues to preserve its historical heritage and pass it on to new generations.
Explore By Yacht
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the unique views of Istanbul is to take a Bosphorus tour by renting a yacht. When you set sail on the Bosphorus with your own private yacht, historical beauties like Beşiktaş Anatolian High School will greet you from an entirely different perspective. This school, which has the appearance of a palace, seems to rise above the water with its location at sea level. It is so close to the sea that you can hear the sound of the waves from the school's courtyard. Thanks to this unique proximity, during your yacht tour, you can approach the shore to observe the structure in all its details and deeply feel the historical atmosphere of the Bosphorus.
Experiencing the intricacies of the historical peninsula and the Bosphorus by renting a yacht will leave unforgettable memories during your visit to Istanbul. Seeing the carved windows of Beşiktaş Anatolian High School, its elegant stone craftsmanship, and its timeless stance from the sea is much more impressive than an ordinary visit from the land. As you glide along the coast with your yacht, you can recall historical anecdotes you learned about this structure and for a moment feel like a traveler journeying through the Bosphorus during the Ottoman era. With its location right next to Çırağan Palace, the school building has almost become one of the open-air museum stops along yacht tour routes. For photography enthusiasts, the view from the sea is a must-see sight.
We have a suggestion for everyone who wants to explore the Bosphorus in Istanbul:
Rent a yacht in Istanbul to draw your own route in the vast waters of the Bosphorus. During your tour on your private yacht, you will also have the opportunity to closely see the historical texture of Beşiktaş Anatolian High School alongside icons like Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, and Ortaköy Mosque. Although you may not be able to see the inner part of the school that is not open to public visits, you can fully experience the atmosphere of this magnificent structure while viewing it from the sea. The Bosphorus tour offers all local and foreign visitors to Istanbul a chance to enjoy both the natural beauties and the cultural heritage of the city together. Beşiktaş Anatolian High School will be a special stop in this tour, whispering a story from the past that should definitely be noted.