When viewed from the crystal-clear waters of the Bosphorus Strait, Kabataş Boys High School rises majestically on the Ortaköy shore, immediately capturing the eye with its stunning silhouette.
Founded in 1908, this prestigious school is one of Turkey's oldest high schools and stands out as one of Istanbul's cultural treasures, not only for its academic achievements but also for its unique location on the Bosphorus and its historic architecture. Thanks to its strategic location, the building offers an impressive atmosphere for both students and visitors, with a breathtaking view of the shore and the sea. Watching the school's palace-like silhouette from the boats cruising along the Bosphorus is like witnessing a scene from Istanbul's history.
History of the Kabataş Boys High School
Kabataş Boys High School began its educational life on 7 March 1908 with the decree of Sultan Abdülhamid II under the name Kabataş Mekteb-i İdâdisi. Established with the aim of training distinguished administrators for the Islamic world within the Ottoman Empire, the school opened its first academic year on 18 April 1908 in the Esma Sultan Mansion on the seafront in the Kabataş district. Under the leadership of its first principal, Hasan Tahsin (Ayni) Bey, the school began teaching with seven classes and 276 students, graduating its first 23 students in the 1909-1910 academic year. During these years, which coincided with the final period of the Ottoman Empire, the Balkan Wars erupted, and like many other schools, Kabataş's teachers and senior students also joined the front lines. Due to the widespread grief and national mourning atmosphere caused by the war across the country, the school's flag colours were changed from red and white to red and black on 7 March 1913. This colour change has become a lasting symbol commemorating the tragic losses experienced by the school during this period.
In 1913, a five-class middle section (rüştiye) was added, and the school was renamed Kabataş Mekteb-i Sultanisi and upgraded to a 12-class sultani (high school) status. In 1919, the school began accepting boarding students for the first time, opening its doors to successful students from outside the city. With the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, the status of sultani schools was changed, and Kabataş Sultanisi officially became Kabataş Erkek Lisesi in the 1923-1924 academic year. In the mid-1920s, the middle school section was closed, and the school continued to provide education at the high school level for a while. In line with the modernisation efforts of the young Republic, Kabataş Boys High School underwent a significant relocation within a few years: in the 1928-1929 academic year, it moved from its original location in the Kabataş neighbourhood to its new building in the historic Feriye Palaces complex between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy. This magnificent palace building was constructed in the second half of the 19th century as a summer residence for members of the Ottoman dynasty and is historically significant as the place where Sultan Abdülaziz, who was deposed in 1876, was found dead with his wrists slit after being imprisoned for four days. Kabataş High School thus moved into this historic palace building along the Bosphorus and continued its educational activities uninterrupted during the Republican era.
In the following decades, the history of Kabataş Boys High School continued to be enriched by institutional developments and changes. In the 1930s, an old palace structure (Ağalar Dairesi) in the school garden was restored and opened as the Culture Building, housing a conference hall and laboratories. Due to the increasing number of students, the middle school section was closed after a while, and the school continued its activities as a high school. During this period, a section previously used by Beşiktaş Middle School in the Feriye Palaces complex was allocated to Kabataş as a dormitory (dormitory) building, increasing the boarding capacity for students coming from outside the city. The school's structure, which had been limited to male students since its inception, changed in the 1990s with the introduction of co-education. In the 1992-1993 academic year, the school began accepting female students again, becoming a co-educational high school and adopting the status of an Anatolian High School with a focus on foreign languages. Boarding facilities were also made available for female students starting in 1994. In 1998, Kabataş Boys High School transitioned to Anatolian High School status, joining the ranks of the most prestigious schools in the country that admit students with the highest scores nationwide. Within this framework, a preparatory class was added in 2006, extending the duration of education to five years.
Today, Kabataş Boys High School continues to be one of Turkey's most prestigious high schools, with approximately 1,000 students, a strong academic staff, and modern educational facilities. Its historic campus, with buildings that have been restored and preserved over time, connects the legacy of the past with new generations. However, as it is an active educational institution, it is not open to regular visits. However, it is possible to see and photograph this historic building from the outside, especially from the sea.
Discover the Kabataş Boys High School by Yacht
Located between Kabataş and Ortaköy, at one of the most striking points of the Bosphorus, Kabataş Boys High School has a much more impressive view from the sea than from land. One of the best ways to experience this historical building is by renting a yacht on the Bosphorus. As you glide through the cool waters of the Bosphorus on your private yacht, you can closely observe the silhouette of the school building, with its palace-like architecture, blending with the waves. Taking a break on the sea, in the heart of Istanbul yet far from the city's hustle and bustle, offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and breathe in the atmosphere of the Ottoman era.
For those who want to observe the historical texture from the sea and notice the details of an elegant building such as Kabataş Boys High School, a trip by renting a yacht on the Bosphorus will be a unique experience. Especially around sunset, the golden rays of the sun reflecting off the yellow and white facade of the school building are worth seeing. These plays of light and the blue of the Bosphorus create unforgettable scenes for photography enthusiasts. Moreover, a private yacht tour away from the crowded tour boats, where you can enjoy the unique views of Istanbul with only your loved ones, offers comfort and privacy. Accompanied only by the sound of the waves and the wind, the tranquillity of being alone with history in the middle of the Bosphorus makes this experience unforgettable.
Rent a yacht and enjoy the Bosphorus on a route from Kabataş to Ortaköy. Pausing in front of the school's magnificent open yellow facade and watching the silhouette of the historic Feriye Palaces from the water will give you the feeling of travelling back in time. This journey is not just a sightseeing tour, but also an opportunity to witness Istanbul's cultural heritage from a different perspective. If you want to create unforgettable memories on the waters of the Bosphorus and discover the beauty of iconic structures such as Kabataş Boys High School from the sea, don't wait any longer—rent a yacht and experience this journey with your loved ones. With your private boat tour on the Bosphorus, the jewel of Istanbul, you will be immersed in the city's history and scenery, and you will cherish this unique experience forever.