Turkey's historic schools preserve century-old educational legacies

Anadolu Agency’s “Asırlık Mektepler” (Century-old Schools) series highlights several long-standing educational institutions in Turkey that serve as cultural and social repositories.

In Erzurum, the Erzurum Lisesi has operated for 137 years. Established in 1889 during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II, the school is noted for its role during the Sarıkamış Operation of World War I, where students volunteered to transport food and ammunition to Ottoman troops in extreme winter conditions. The school also maintains an educational museum to preserve historical artifacts and records.

In Kastamonu, the Taşmektep Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School has been active since 1869. Originally founded to provide vocational training, the institution now integrates modern technologies, such as electric vehicles and information technology, within its historic 1916 building.

In Uşak, the Gazi Mustafa Kemal Primary School has provided education since 1924. Originally known as Necmi Edep Mektebi and later the 1 Numaralı Kız Mektebi, the school has expanded its facilities over the decades and continues to serve as a vital link to the city’s educational history.