Kuleli Military High School

Kuleli Military High School is located in Istanbul's Üsküdar district, on the Bosphorus shore between Çengelköy and Vaniköy, and with its location, it has become one of the city's most striking silhouettes. The history of the building is not just about a school; it is also an important part of the Ottoman military modernization process.

The foundation of Kuleli dates back to the cavalry barracks built in 1828 during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II. This building was constructed to meet the training needs of the modern army established after the abolition of the Janissary corps.

The foundation of the military educational institution in the sense of today was laid on September 21, 1845, under the name "Mekteb-i Fünun-ı İdadiye". This school was established as part of the modern officer training system in the Ottoman Empire and became one of the most important educational institutions preparing students for the Military Academy.

Initially providing education at the Maçka Barracks, the school moved to different buildings over time and in 1872 settled in the Kuleli Barracks, taking the name "Kuleli Military High School". After this date, the building gained its permanent identity on the shores of the Bosphorus in Istanbul.

The Kuleli building has not only been used as a school throughout history but has also served different functions at different times. Its use as a hospital and military base during the Crimean War is one of the important details that reveal the strategic significance of the structure.

The political developments at the beginning of the 20th century also affected Kuleli. In 1920, the building was vacated at the request of the occupying forces, and education continued in different locations; following the liberation of Istanbul, it returned to Kuleli in 1923.

During the Republican period, Kuleli Military High School continued to operate as one of Turkey's most established military educational institutions and was one of the most important schools that trained officers for the Turkish Armed Forces for many years. In 1925, it began to be referred to by its current name, 'Kuleli Military High School.'

During World War II, the school was temporarily moved to different cities, but after the war, it returned to its historic building in Istanbul. With restorations carried out over time, the structure was preserved, and especially with the extensive repairs carried out in the 1960s, it acquired its present appearance.

Kuleli Military High School is not just an educational institution; it is also a venerable school that has educated many significant figures who have influenced Turkey's military, cultural, and literary life.

With the decision made in 2016 to close military high schools, Kuleli Military High School also ceased its educational activities. Today, the building continues to be used for different purposes within the National Defense University.

Today, Kuleli maintains its presence as one of Istanbul’s most characteristic silhouettes with its symmetrical structure along the Bosphorus, its towers, and wide facade. This building, which bears traces of military training, war, transformation, and modernization throughout history, holds a special place in Istanbul’s memory.

The magnificent structure of Kuleli Military High School stretching along the Bosphorus creates a very impressive view, especially in the evening with its lights reflecting on the sea. On yacht routes progressing along the Anatolian side, the historical atmosphere of the building and its harmony with the Bosphorus is felt much more distinctly. For those who want to experience a special Bosphorus journey on the historical routes around Kuleli, it is possible to review different yacht options and organization details through yacht rental prices. In this area, Boğaz Çocuğu stands out as a preferred choice with comfortable and private yacht arrangements.