History

Founded in the heart of Istanbul, a historic crossroads of civilizations and eras, Haliç University began its academic journey on 23 November 1998. Established under the provisions of Higher Education Law No. 2547 and led by the Bizim Lösemili Çocuklar Foundation (Our Children with Leukemia Foundation), the University is one of Türkiye’s pioneering foundation universities. From its inception, Haliç University has distinguished itself not only as an institution of higher education but also as a symbol of human-centered education, scientific advancement, and social responsibility.

The University draws its name and inspiration from the Golden Horn (Haliç), historically a hub of science, art, and culture in Istanbul. The Golden Horn is more than a geographic location; it represents centuries of cultural heritage, intellectual achievement, and artistic endeavor that have shaped the city. What began as an intriguing vision gradually defined Haliç University’s identity and continues to guide its global aspirations.

Haliç University began its academic activities in a building in the historic Fındıkzade district on the southern shore of the Golden Horn. At its founding, the University comprised the Faculties of Medicine, Arts and Sciences, and Business Administration; the Schools of Nursing, Fisheries, and Physical Education and Sports; the Institute of Health Sciences; and the Conservatory.

As the University grew, larger and more suitable facilities were needed. Attention turned to the Beyoğlu and Şişli districts on the northern shore of the Golden Horn, where new opportunities were explored.

The main campus moved to a building in Mecidiyeköy, while the Turkish Sports Writers Association’s (TSYD) facilities in Levent were allocated for the School of Physical Education and Sports. A separate building in Mecidiyeköy provided additional academic space, and a conservatory was established in a historic building in Şişhane.

During this period, the Faculties of Architecture and Fine Arts were founded, along with the Institutes of Science and Social Sciences and the School of Health Sciences. As enrollment and academic activities expanded, these facilities eventually became insufficient, prompting the search for larger campuses.

To consolidate all academic activities under a single roof, Haliç University relocated to a newly constructed campus in Kağıthane. This building was designed to bring all faculties, schools and institutes together in one integrated structure.

However, technical limitations soon became apparent and a larger, more suitable campus was sought. A new facility was identified along the shores of the Golden Horn, built on the site of a historic factory. The resulting modern campus effectively combined historical heritage with contemporary functionality.

The Sütlüce Campus strengthened Haliç University’s connection to the historical industrial heritage of the Golden Horn. All academic units were consolidated on a single campus and the modern architecture reinforced the University’s institutional identity.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected higher education worldwide, including at Haliç University. Thanks to a robust technical infrastructure, educational activities continued without interruption and institutional development persisted. At the same time, growing academic and social needs highlighted the requirement for a significantly larger and more advanced campus.

The 5th Levent Campus represents a new era for Haliç University, offering physical, technical and social facilities far exceeding those of previous campuses. In 2023, the University implemented all academic and administrative units under a single roof with a modern, state of the art infrastructure.

Today, Haliç University serves more than 17,000 students across eight faculties, one school, one vocational school, the Conservatory and the Institute of Graduate Studies. Its academic programs span health sciences, engineering, fine arts, sports, architecture and social sciences. This broad spectrum supports interdisciplinary collaboration and responds to societal and sectoral needs. Since its founding, Haliç University has graduated over 30,000 students and continues to contribute to a future driven by scientific research, innovation, and creative problem-solving.

With a focus on creativity, design and innovation, Haliç University cultivates individuals who think independently, generate ideas and develop solutions. Situated in the heart of Istanbul, the University offers a vibrant living and learning environment where academic excellence and practical experience converge.