Ankara Atatürk Lisesi celebrates 141 years of education

Ankara Atatürk Lisesi, the first secondary school to bear the name of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is celebrating its 141st year of education. Originally established in 1886 as Ankara İdadisi, the institution underwent several name changes, including Ankara Sultanisi and Ankara Erkek Lisesi, following various legislative shifts in the Turkish educational system.

During the Turkish War of Independence, the school was temporarily relocated to Kayseri in 1921 before returning to Ankara. In 1938, a delegation proposed renaming the school to Atatürk Lisesi, a request granted by Atatürk. The school currently operates in a building designed by architects Bruno Taut and Franz Hillinger, which it has occupied since October 1940.

Throughout its history, the school has maintained significant ties to Atatürk, who first visited the institution on December 30, 1919. He also presented a banner to the school following the war and established the Gazi Scout Group during his visit.