İstanbul University

Istanbul


Adjoining Beyazıt Sq, this is the largest of the city's universities and has a history dating back to early Ottoman times. It moved to this location in the late 19th century, taking over a handsome Ministry of War building that had been designed by Auguste Bourgeois in 1866. There is a grandiose entrance arch fronting the square and an 85m-tall stone tower in the grounds; entry is prohibited for members of the public.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Istanbul attractions

1. Tombs of Süleyman & Roxelana

0.08 MILES

To the right (southeast) of the main entrance to the Süleymaniye mosque is its cemetery, home to the octagonal tombs of Süleyman and his wife Haseki…

2. Beyazıt Tower

0.12 MILES

Closed to the public, this 85m-tall tower sits on top of one of the seven hills on which Constantine the Great built the city, following the model of Rome…

3. Süleymaniye Mosque

0.12 MILES

The Süleymaniye crowns one of İstanbul's seven hills and dominates the Golden Horn, providing a landmark for the entire city. Though it's not the largest…

4. Büyük Valide Han

0.22 MILES

Commissioned by Murat IV's mother, Kösem Valide Sultan, this massive han (caravanserai) was built in 1651 and originally housed up to 3000 travellers and…

5. Beyazıt State Library

0.25 MILES

Occupying the former imaret (soup kitchen) and kervansaray (caravanserai) of the Beyazıt Mosque's külliye, this library has recently been the subject of a…

6. Beyazıt Mosque

0.27 MILES

The second imperial mosque built in İstanbul (after the Fatih Camii), Beyazıt Camii was constructed between 1501 and 1506 by order of Beyazıt II, son of…

7. Beyazıt Square

0.29 MILES

In Byzantine times, this square was called the Forum of Theodosius. Today it's home to street vendors, students from the adjoining İstanbul University and…

8. Grand Bazaar

0.31 MILES

The colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar is the heart of İstanbul's Old City and has been so for centuries. Starting as a small vaulted bedesten (warehouse)…