Located on the European side of the Istanbul Bosphorus in the Ortaköy district, Ziya Kalkavan Maritime High School is a historic building that attracts the attention of passersby along the Bosphorus.
This school building, located between Çırağan Palace and Galatasaray University, gives the impression of a historic palace or cultural heritage site at first glance with its seaside location. When viewed from the deck of a yacht gliding through the Bosphorus, the elegant architecture and location of the structure provide visitors with a strong first impression of Istanbul's maritime history. The school building rising from the shore, along with the lush Yıldız Park surrounding it and Kuzguncuk on the opposite shore, creates a captivating panorama. This impressive structure is a symbolic point that showcases both the legacy of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey's modern maritime education tradition.
History
The building and its surroundings where Ziya Kalkavan Maritime High School is located have witnessed different histories over the centuries. This area, known as Kazancıoğlu Garden in the 17th century, was included in the Ottoman palace complex in the 19th century. One of the additional buildings constructed as an extension of the famous Çırağan Palace, which began construction in 1863 and was completed in 1867, constitutes the main structure of today's school. The building, which is part of the palace annexes known as the "Feriye Palaces" that extended from Beşiktaş to Ortaköy, was initially one of the service buildings such as the palace kitchens (Matbah-ı Âmire) or stables (Istabl-ı Âmire). These additional structures were also damaged during the major fire at Çırağan Palace in 1910. Since there were no state schools to train personnel for civilian maritime trade before the Republic, this structure was used for various purposes for a long time.
The foundations of modern maritime education in Turkey were laid in the early 20th century. In 1909, a private maritime school named National and Private Maritime Captain and Engineer School was opened by Captain Hamit Naci Bey in Azapkapı, Istanbul. After changing locations several times, this school moved to its historic building in Ortaköy in 1927. A year later, in 1928, the Republic government took over the school, nationalizing it under the name of Âli (Higher) Maritime School, equipping it with modern facilities according to the needs of the era. Thus, the institution that formed the core of Ziya Kalkavan High School officially began its operations as the first civilian maritime school of the Republic of Turkey. With the curriculum updated and the addition of a dormitory and gymnasium, training for both high school and higher education divisions began to prepare maritime captains and machine officers. The school, which transitioned to boarding education with additions made in the 1930s, was named the High Maritime Trade School in 1934. In the following years, the institution continued its education with various regulations and ministerial changes, providing specialized personnel to Turkey's maritime sector for many years.
By the time the 1980s arrived, as higher education institutions were relocated, this historic building was restructured and transferred to the Ministry of National Education. In 1982, the school reopened under the name Ortaköy Maritime Vocational High School and began accepting students at the secondary education level with departments in deck (steering) and ship machinery. Thus, maritime education at the high school level, which had been interrupted in the 1940s, was revitalized under the same roof. In 1983-84, the ship electronics and communications department was also added; starting from 1985, some courses began to be taught in English, and the school gained the status of Anadolu Maritime Vocational High School.
The school was named after the famous shipowner Ziya Kalkavan, who had dedicated many years to the maritime sector, following his death in 1993. Ziya Kalkavan (1911-1992) was recognized as one of the pioneers of Turkish maritime trade, a sailor, and a shipowner. After this date, the institution began to be referred to as Beşiktaş Ziya Kalkavan Anatolian Maritime Vocational High School. In the following years, the school's name and its affiliated program structure underwent several changes: in 1995, it was given the title 'Maritime Anatolian Technical High School', in the 2000s the boarding practice was abolished, and in 2014, with new regulations in national education, it adopted its current name, Ziya Kalkavan Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School. With a nearly century-old history, this institution continues to operate today as one of the most established educational institutions in the field of maritime in Turkey. The school building, which preserves its historical texture, offers modern education to students while also illuminating Turkish maritime history with the memories it holds within its walls.
Explore By Yacht
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the Bosphorus is undoubtedly by renting a yacht. When you take a boat tour with a private yacht, you can admire stunning historical structures like the Ziya Kalkavan Maritime High School from the unique perspective of the water. Approaching the school from the cool waters of the Bosphorus, you get the chance to see the details of this timeless building up close. From the deck of the yacht, the wooden shuttered windows and the historic facade of the school fit perfectly into the frame in all its grandeur. Moreover, accompanied by a gentle breeze from the sea, you can better appreciate the harmony of such structures with their surroundings and the value they add to the view. Discovering Istanbul's treasures aboard a freely roaming yacht away from the crowds will be both a romantic and educational experience.
Renting a yacht on the Bosphorus allows you to chart your own course and offers the freedom to reach the hidden beauties of the city. Starting from Beşiktaş and extending to Ortaköy, you can observe the rich history of the area surrounding the Ziya Kalkavan Maritime High School from the sea. As you glide past the Ciragan Palace with your yacht, the school building appears just ahead; thereafter, you can steer your course toward the famous Ortaköy Mosque or a little further to Rumeli Fortress. It is possible to immortalize these moments by taking photo breaks at your chosen stops. Such private tours made by renting a yacht provide a personal experience, unlike crowded ferry trips; if you wish, you can linger a bit in front of the school and listen to stories about the building from your guide. Watching the buildings that have marked Istanbul's history from the sea is like paying homage to the city’s past.
If you want to fully experience the magic of the Bosphorus, rent a yacht with your loved ones right away and set sail on your own sea adventure. You will feel the privilege of discovering spots like Ziya Kalkavan Maritime High School in the comfort of your private yacht. Your yacht captain can make a brief stop in front of the school, allowing you to view this historic structure from all angles. In the meantime, observing the maritime symbols and the overall atmosphere from the sea in the school's courtyard will be quite impressive. Thanks to the yacht tour, you can enjoy the unique silhouette of Istanbul and witness the city's maritime heritage up close. Create your own route, rent a yacht on the Bosphorus, and explore Istanbul's natural beauties and cultural riches as you glide over the water. This free experience will be etched into your memories as an unforgettable remembrance in the heart of the city.