Robert College
Encyclopedia
Robert College of Istanbul , is one of the most selective independent private high schools in Turkey
. Robert College is a co-educational, boarding school
with a 65 acres (263,045.9 m²) wooded campus on the European side of Istanbul
between the two bridges on the Bosphorus, with the Arnavutköy
district to the east, and the upscale Ulus district to the west.
The 148-year-old institution is the oldest American school still in existence in its original location outside the United States. Robert College is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools
.
Robert College has a long list of notable alumni, including entrepreneurs, politicians, journalists, artists, two Turkish Prime Ministers, three Turkish members of cabinet and one Nobel Prize recipient, Orhan Pamuk
. The School is a member of the G20 Schools
group.
, a wealthy American and a philanthropist, and Cyrus Hamlin
, a missionary
devoted to education. Six years after its foundation, with the permission of the Ottoman Sultan, the first campus (at present, it is the South Campus of Boğaziçi University
) was built in Bebek at the ridge of Rumelia Fortress
, very close to a Bektashi
tekke, whose leaders maintained an excellent relationship with the Congregational
and Presbyterian
founders of Robert College. The first building of the school was named "Hamlin Hall" in memory of Cyrus Hamlin
. Few years after the foundation of Robert College, in 1878, Christopher Robert
died. According to the article, A Millionaire's Will, published in New York Times (27 November 1878), Robert left a great portion of his wealth to the College.
A College Catalog was compiled in 1878–1879, giving general information and an outline of the courses of study. Defining the aims of the College the catalog stated: "The object of the College is to give to its students, without distinction of race or religion, a thorough educational equal in all respects to that obtained at a first-class American college and based upon the same general principles."
After Hamlin, Robert College was successfully administrated by George Washburn
(1877–1903) and Caleb Gates (1903–1932). Though founded at the time of the Ottoman Empire
as an institution of higher learning serving the Christian minorities of the Empire as well as foreigners living in Istanbul
, the school adopted a strictly secular educational model in accordance with the republican principles of Turkey
in 1923. Robert College, in the past had junior high school, high school, and university sections under the names Robert Academy, Robert Yüksek and American College for Girls. Since 1971, the school has functioned only as a "high school" comparable to the French lycée in academic rigor on its Arnavutköy
campus (formerly the campus of American College for Girls), yet it retains the title of College. The Bebek campus and academic staff were turned over to the Republic of Turkey for use as Boğaziçi University
, the renamed continuation of Robert College's university section, as a public university.
or United States citizenship. The school currently has a faculty who are 45% Turkish
, 55% English native speakers (there are faculty from English speaking countries other than the United States, as well). Sixty-six percent of the full-time faculty hold masters degrees or higher.
is the required language of instruction in social sciences and Turkish language/literature. To graduate from the school, students have to complete a program averaging 6 courses per semester, which is designed to prepare them both for matriculation in an American college or university and for study at Turkey’s top universities.
General graduation requirements for students include (excluding the Prep year):
If the above are successfully completed, then the student could graduate with the General Diploma. However, the other diploma types, namely:
have their own requirements as well as the general requirements.
Organic Chemistry, Advanced Topics and Independent Research in Biology,
Global Science, Advanced Anatomy and Physiology.
, though in recent years the number of students studying in Canada increased.Every year approximately 35–40% percent of the graduating class choose to study in the United States whereas the ones wishing to study in Turkey
get placed in a university based on their score on the National Entrance Examination (ÖSS
). In 2006, Robert College ranked first in all three sections of ÖSS among the private high schools in Turkey
, with 76 out of 132 students taking the exam scoring in the top 0,3% (top 5000). Out of 104 students who chose to study in Turkey, 29 were admitted to Boğaziçi University
, which is an overall highest ranking school in Turkey. 56 students chose to continue their education abroad and 36% of these students are attending Ivy League
colleges.
in 1907. The first Student Council
in Ottoman Empire
was also formed in 1908 in Robert College.
is formed of a group of annually elected student governors and a faculty advisor. The elected body is proportional with class size. As well as class representatives, the president, the vice president, the secretary and the treasurer are elected after a period of campaigning. Student Council
is responsible for facilitating communications between students, faculty and administration, as well as organizing social activities and fundraising for clubs. Student Council also organizes the largest and oldest high school festival, Fine Arts Festival, in Turkey. The President of the Student Council, representing the student body, makes a speech during the opening, closing, and graduation ceremonies.
club (MUN). Orchestra concerts, modern and classical
, take place throughout the year and during the Homecoming
.
. Robert College Ethical Values Club organizes an ethics case study contest at national level among high school students, following their forum. The results are announced at the Ethics Conference near the end of the year. Both events attract more than twenty public and private schools from around Turkey
.
of UN and ECOSOC
as well as a simulation of the International Criminal Court
and the simulation of the Emergency General Assembly during the Suez Crisis. There will be about 750 students, of which about 42% will come from international schools.
had donated 200 volumes for the opening of the library. During the 50's and 60's, the college had one of the largest collections in Turkey
. (In 1957: 111,598 books and 214 periodicals; the American College for Girls Library 27,163 books and 108 periodicals, according to the Turkiye Kutuphaneleri Rehberi (Guide to Libraries in Turkey) published by the Turkish National Library in that year.) After the foundation of Boğaziçi University
, the college donated the majority of its collections to the newly founded university. Today, Robert College has the largest library collection among secondary schools in Turkey. The library houses more than 47,300 books, 190 periodical publications, and two web-based databases. It occupies an area of 700 square meters with a seating capacity of 90, and serves a total of 927 students, as well as all the employees and alumni of the school on second and third floors of Gould Hall.
and Child Psychology classes. According to the college's website, "the educational program at the center is designed to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, self-competence, independence, initiative , creativity, empathy, problem solving and thinking skills in children."
Note: This section only includes the buildings in today's Robert College campus (formerly the campus of American College for Girls); the ones in the former boys campus of Robert College could be found in Boğaziçi University
article.
In 1990, three alumni, Nejat Eczacıbaşı
, Suna Kıraç and Feyyaz Berker
have donated the necessary funds for the construction of the new buildings that are mentioned in the Buildings section. As the costs of the school cannot be met by the tuition fees alone, the Alumni Association organizes an annual giving campaign to cover the costs of the school. Bizimtepe, a cultural and recreational center next to the campus, is an affiliate of the Alumni Association and was founded to raise funds for the school. The Alumni Association publishes RC Quarterly, which reaches 8,000 Robert College alumni around the world by mail.
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
. Robert College is a co-educational, boarding school
Boarding school
A boarding school is a school where some or all pupils study and live during the school year with their fellow students and possibly teachers and/or administrators. The word 'boarding' is used in the sense of "bed and board," i.e., lodging and meals...
with a 65 acres (263,045.9 m²) wooded campus on the European side of Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
between the two bridges on the Bosphorus, with the Arnavutköy
Arnavutköy
Arnavutköy is a historic neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey, famous for its wooden Ottoman mansions and fish restaurants as well as the prestigious Robert College campus with its centennial buildings...
district to the east, and the upscale Ulus district to the west.
The 148-year-old institution is the oldest American school still in existence in its original location outside the United States. Robert College is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools
New York State Association of Independent Schools
The New York State Association of Independent Schools , founded in 1947, is an association of some 180 independent schools, ranging from nursery to high schools. In 2005, its member schools had approximately 65,000 students...
.
Robert College has a long list of notable alumni, including entrepreneurs, politicians, journalists, artists, two Turkish Prime Ministers, three Turkish members of cabinet and one Nobel Prize recipient, Orhan Pamuk
Orhan Pamuk
Ferit Orhan Pamuk , generally known simply as Orhan Pamuk, is a Turkish novelist. He is also the Robert Yik-Fong Tam Professor in the Humanities at Columbia University, where he teaches comparative literature and writing....
. The School is a member of the G20 Schools
G20 Schools
All the schools claim to have a commitment to excellence and innovation of some sort. The G20 Schools have an annual conference which aims to bring together a group of school Heads who want to look beyond the parochial concerns of their own schools and national associations, and to talk through...
group.
History
In 1863, Robert College was founded in Bebek by Christopher RobertChristopher Robert
Christopher Robert of New York was the founder of Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey in 1863, the oldest American school outside the United States.-References:...
, a wealthy American and a philanthropist, and Cyrus Hamlin
Cyrus Hamlin
Cyrus Hamlin was an American Congregational missionary and educator, the father of A. D. F. Hamlin....
, a missionary
Missionary
A missionary is a member of a religious group sent into an area to do evangelism or ministries of service, such as education, literacy, social justice, health care and economic development. The word "mission" originates from 1598 when the Jesuits sent members abroad, derived from the Latin...
devoted to education. Six years after its foundation, with the permission of the Ottoman Sultan, the first campus (at present, it is the South Campus of Boğaziçi University
Bogaziçi University
Boğaziçi University is a public university located on the European side of the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, Turkey. It has five faculties and two schools offering undergraduate degrees, and six institutes offering graduate degrees...
) was built in Bebek at the ridge of Rumelia Fortress
Rumelihisari
Rumelihisarı is a fortress located in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul, Turkey, on a hill at the European side of the Bosporus. It gives the name of the quarter around it. It was built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II between 1451 and 1452, before he conquered Constantinople...
, very close to a Bektashi
Bektashi
Bektashi Order or Bektashism is an Islamic Sufi order founded in the 13th century by the Persian saint Haji Bektash Veli. In addition to the spiritual teachings of Haji Bektash Veli the order was significantly influenced during its formative period by both the Hurufis as well as the...
tekke, whose leaders maintained an excellent relationship with the Congregational
Congregational church
Congregational churches are Protestant Christian churches practicing Congregationalist church governance, in which each congregation independently and autonomously runs its own affairs....
and Presbyterian
Presbyterianism
Presbyterianism refers to a number of Christian churches adhering to the Calvinist theological tradition within Protestantism, which are organized according to a characteristic Presbyterian polity. Presbyterian theology typically emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures,...
founders of Robert College. The first building of the school was named "Hamlin Hall" in memory of Cyrus Hamlin
Cyrus Hamlin
Cyrus Hamlin was an American Congregational missionary and educator, the father of A. D. F. Hamlin....
. Few years after the foundation of Robert College, in 1878, Christopher Robert
Christopher Robert
Christopher Robert of New York was the founder of Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey in 1863, the oldest American school outside the United States.-References:...
died. According to the article, A Millionaire's Will, published in New York Times (27 November 1878), Robert left a great portion of his wealth to the College.
A College Catalog was compiled in 1878–1879, giving general information and an outline of the courses of study. Defining the aims of the College the catalog stated: "The object of the College is to give to its students, without distinction of race or religion, a thorough educational equal in all respects to that obtained at a first-class American college and based upon the same general principles."
After Hamlin, Robert College was successfully administrated by George Washburn
George Washburn
George Edward Washburn , was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played in with the New York Yankees. He batted left and threw right-handed. Washburn had a 0-1 record, with a 13.50 ERA, in one game, in his one year career....
(1877–1903) and Caleb Gates (1903–1932). Though founded at the time of the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
as an institution of higher learning serving the Christian minorities of the Empire as well as foreigners living in Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
, the school adopted a strictly secular educational model in accordance with the republican principles of Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
in 1923. Robert College, in the past had junior high school, high school, and university sections under the names Robert Academy, Robert Yüksek and American College for Girls. Since 1971, the school has functioned only as a "high school" comparable to the French lycée in academic rigor on its Arnavutköy
Arnavutköy
Arnavutköy is a historic neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey, famous for its wooden Ottoman mansions and fish restaurants as well as the prestigious Robert College campus with its centennial buildings...
campus (formerly the campus of American College for Girls), yet it retains the title of College. The Bebek campus and academic staff were turned over to the Republic of Turkey for use as Boğaziçi University
Bogaziçi University
Boğaziçi University is a public university located on the European side of the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, Turkey. It has five faculties and two schools offering undergraduate degrees, and six institutes offering graduate degrees...
, the renamed continuation of Robert College's university section, as a public university.
Major events
- 1863, 16 September: Robert College opened with 31 students at Bebek Seminary School.
- 1922: President C. Gates and Hüseyin Pektaş (the first Muslim graduate and then Vice-President of the college) attended the Conference of LausanneConference of LausanneThe Conference of Lausanne was a conference held in Lausanne, Switzerland during 1922 and 1923. Its purpose was the negotiation of a treaty to replace the Treaty of Sèvres, which, under the new government of Kemal Pasha, was no longer recognised by Turkey....
representing foreign educational institutions in Ottoman EmpireOttoman EmpireThe Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
. - 1932: With Dr. Paul MonroePaul Monroe-Biography:He was born at North Madison, Indiana. He graduated at Franklin College, Franklin, Indiana in 1890, studied at the University of Heidelberg and took his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1897. He became professor at Columbia in 1899, his research involving education in its...
, joint Presidency system was adapted by Robert College and American College for Girls. - 1957: Robert College was granted permission to become an institution of higher learning by the Republic of Turkey; Robert College "Yuksek" (High) was established.
- 1971: The "Yüksek" was officially ended on 18 May. The merger of American College for Girls and Robert Academy as a co-educational private institution with junior high and high schools, on the Arnavutköy campus was officially confirmed on September 1971. Robert College's Bebek campus was donated to the Republic of Turkey. Boğaziçi UniversityBogaziçi UniversityBoğaziçi University is a public university located on the European side of the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, Turkey. It has five faculties and two schools offering undergraduate degrees, and six institutes offering graduate degrees...
was established as a public university in this campus. - 1998: With the adoption of the law for eight years of uninterrupted primary education in Turkey (junior high school became part of the primary education), the school no longer accepted students to its junior high school section.* 2004: The last junior high school students graduated and junior high school section was officially closed. Now, Robert College has Prep, 9, 10, 11, 12 grades, and accepts students who have finished compulsory primary education of eight years.
List of presidents and heads
- Cyrus HamlinCyrus HamlinCyrus Hamlin was an American Congregational missionary and educator, the father of A. D. F. Hamlin....
– 1863–1877 - George Washburn – 1877–1903
- Caleb Frank Gates – 1903–1932
- Paul MonroePaul Monroe-Biography:He was born at North Madison, Indiana. He graduated at Franklin College, Franklin, Indiana in 1890, studied at the University of Heidelberg and took his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1897. He became professor at Columbia in 1899, his research involving education in its...
– 1932–1935 - Walter Livingston Wright – 1935–1943
- Harold Lorain Scott (Acting President) – 1943–1944
- Floyd Henson Black – 1944–1955
- Duncan Smith Ballantine – 1955–1961
- Harold Locke Hazen (Acting President) – 1961
- Patrick Murphy Malin – 1962–1964
- James L. Brainerd (Acting President) – 1965
- Dwight James Simpson – 1965–1967
- Howard P. Hall (Acting President) – 1967–1968
- John Scott EvertonJohn Scott EvertonJohn Scott Everton was an American college president and diplomat.He was educated at Colgate University Divinity School, Cambridge, and Yale. He worked on the research staff at the Ford Foundation....
– 1968–1971 - John Clay Chalfant – 1971–1977
- James Richard Maggart – 1977–1981
- Elizabeth Dabanovitch (Acting Head) – 1981–1982
- Alan Donn Kesselheim – 1982–1984
- Margaret A. Johnson (Interim Head) – 1984–1988
- Harry A. Dawe – 1988–1992
- Benjamin D. Williams III (Interim Head) – 1992–1993
- Christopher Wadsworth – 1993–2001
- Livingston Merchant – 2001–2005
- John Russell Chandler – 2005–2011
Students
Robert College accepts 180 to 220 students each year, who have scored within the top 1 percentile in a nationwide examination, which every (there are few exceptions) Turkish student must take in order to study in a private high school (secondary education) after they complete their primary education. The school keeps close to 1000 students in each academic year.Faculty
The faculty have an average of 22 years of teaching experience and the majority has either TurkishTurkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
or United States citizenship. The school currently has a faculty who are 45% Turkish
Turkish language
Turkish is a language spoken as a native language by over 83 million people worldwide, making it the most commonly spoken of the Turkic languages. Its speakers are located predominantly in Turkey and Northern Cyprus with smaller groups in Iraq, Greece, Bulgaria, the Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo,...
, 55% English native speakers (there are faculty from English speaking countries other than the United States, as well). Sixty-six percent of the full-time faculty hold masters degrees or higher.
Curriculum
Robert College is a five year high school, with the first year (Prep) being the English immersion year that prepares students for rigorous curriculum, which is mostly in English. English is the language of instruction used in science, mathematics, literature, psychology, physical education, art and music courses. TurkishTurkish language
Turkish is a language spoken as a native language by over 83 million people worldwide, making it the most commonly spoken of the Turkic languages. Its speakers are located predominantly in Turkey and Northern Cyprus with smaller groups in Iraq, Greece, Bulgaria, the Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo,...
is the required language of instruction in social sciences and Turkish language/literature. To graduate from the school, students have to complete a program averaging 6 courses per semester, which is designed to prepare them both for matriculation in an American college or university and for study at Turkey’s top universities.
General graduation requirements for students include (excluding the Prep year):
- Four years of English Language and Literature,
- At least two years of Mathematics,
- One year each of Introductory Biology, Introductory Physics, and Introductory Chemistry.
- Four years of Turkish Language and Literature,
- One year each of Geography, History, Turkish Republican History, Philosophy and Military Science,
- One year of Art elective.
If the above are successfully completed, then the student could graduate with the General Diploma. However, the other diploma types, namely:
- Science Diploma,
- Turkish-Math Diploma,
- Social Studies Diploma,
have their own requirements as well as the general requirements.
- For a Science Diploma, in addition to introductory sciences two of the three Advanced Sciences must be taken.
- For a Turkish-Math Diploma, a one-year math course and a one-year Turkish course must be taken.
Advanced Placement electives
- AP English Language and CompositionAP English Language and CompositionAdvanced Placement English Language and Composition is a course and examination offered by the College Board as part of the Advanced Placement Program....
- AP English Literature and CompositionAP English Literature and CompositionAdvanced Placement English Literature and Composition is a course and examination offered by the College Board as part of the Advanced Placement Program.-The Course:This course is designated for motivated students with a command of standard English, an...
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP StatisticsAP StatisticsAdvanced Placement Statistics is a college-level high school statistics course offered in the United States through the College Board's Advanced Placement program...
- AP Computer ScienceAP Computer ScienceAdvanced Placement Computer Science is the name of two distinct Advanced Placement courses and examinations offered by the College Board to high school students as an opportunity to earn college credit for a college-level computer science course...
- AP PhysicsAP PhysicsAP Physics defines three categories of high school physics courses: A, B, and C. Category A refers to general introductory physics courses that are not mathematically rigorous...
- AP ChemistryAP ChemistryAdvanced Placement Chemistry is a course and examination offered by the College Board as a part of the Advanced Placement Program to give American and Canadian high school students the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and earn college-level credit.-The course:AP Chemistry is a course...
- AP BiologyAP BiologyIn the United States, Advanced Placement Biology , is a course and examination offered by the College Board to high school students as an opportunity to earn placement credit for a college-level biology course....
- AP FrenchAP FrenchAP French can stand for two distinct Advanced Placement Programs provided by the College Board:*AP French Language*AP French LiteratureA.P. French can also refer to Anthony Philip French, an emeritus professor of physics at MIT....
- AP German
Science
Advanced Physics, Advanced Biology, Advanced Chemistry, Modern Physics,Electronics,Organic Chemistry, Advanced Topics and Independent Research in Biology,
Global Science, Advanced Anatomy and Physiology.
Higher education
Robert College graduates traditionally continue their education in the United States or TurkeyTurkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, though in recent years the number of students studying in Canada increased.Every year approximately 35–40% percent of the graduating class choose to study in the United States whereas the ones wishing to study in Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
get placed in a university based on their score on the National Entrance Examination (ÖSS
ÖSS
Student Selection and Placement System or Higher Education Examination-Undergraduate Placement Examination , [formerly Student Selection Examination, ], is a standardized test for the admission to higher education in Turkey administered by ÖSYM. Within the Turkish education system, the only way to...
). In 2006, Robert College ranked first in all three sections of ÖSS among the private high schools in Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, with 76 out of 132 students taking the exam scoring in the top 0,3% (top 5000). Out of 104 students who chose to study in Turkey, 29 were admitted to Boğaziçi University
Bogaziçi University
Boğaziçi University is a public university located on the European side of the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, Turkey. It has five faculties and two schools offering undergraduate degrees, and six institutes offering graduate degrees...
, which is an overall highest ranking school in Turkey. 56 students chose to continue their education abroad and 36% of these students are attending Ivy League
Ivy League
The Ivy League is an athletic conference comprising eight private institutions of higher education in the Northeastern United States. The conference name is also commonly used to refer to those eight schools as a group...
colleges.
Extra-curricular activities
Robert College has a history of extracurricular activities and sports, with more than 100 student activity clubs as of 2006. Robert College introduced basketball to the Ottoman EmpireOttoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
in 1907. The first Student Council
Student council
Student council is a curricular or extra-curricular activity for students within elementary and secondary schools around the world. Present in most public and private K-12 school systems across the United States, Canada and Australia these bodies are alternatively entitled student council, student...
in Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
was also formed in 1908 in Robert College.
Student Council
Student CouncilStudent council
Student council is a curricular or extra-curricular activity for students within elementary and secondary schools around the world. Present in most public and private K-12 school systems across the United States, Canada and Australia these bodies are alternatively entitled student council, student...
is formed of a group of annually elected student governors and a faculty advisor. The elected body is proportional with class size. As well as class representatives, the president, the vice president, the secretary and the treasurer are elected after a period of campaigning. Student Council
Student council
Student council is a curricular or extra-curricular activity for students within elementary and secondary schools around the world. Present in most public and private K-12 school systems across the United States, Canada and Australia these bodies are alternatively entitled student council, student...
is responsible for facilitating communications between students, faculty and administration, as well as organizing social activities and fundraising for clubs. Student Council also organizes the largest and oldest high school festival, Fine Arts Festival, in Turkey. The President of the Student Council, representing the student body, makes a speech during the opening, closing, and graduation ceremonies.
Publications
English
- Bosphorous Chronicle: The school's newspaper published monthly.
- Record: The Yearbook.
- Kingdom Robertea: The school's scientific journal.
- RC Reviews: The literary journal published quarterly.
- Kaleidoscope: The English literature magazine.
- Hamsi (Anchovy): The online fun and technology magazine.
- Northbridge: The technology magazine.
Turkish
- Köprü (The Bridge): The school's Turkish newspaper published bimounthly. (First published in January 2009)
- Martı (Seagull): Turkish literature journal.
- Oda (Room): Turkish literature journal publishing poems, stories and photos submitted by students.
- Tarih (History): The History Club's annual publication.
Other
- Polyglot: The literary magazine in French, Spanish, German, English and Turkish.
Music clubs
Robert College Orchestra is the second largest club in the school, after the Model United NationsModel United Nations
Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda....
club (MUN). Orchestra concerts, modern and classical
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
, take place throughout the year and during the Homecoming
Homecoming
Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni of a school. It most commonly refers to a tradition in many universities, colleges and high schools in North America...
.
Fine Arts Festival (FAF)
Fine Arts Festival is the largest secondary school festival in Turkey. It has been held annually since 1982 by the Robert College Student Council. Each year, more than 2,000 people attend the festival, which is traditionally held in May. Fine Arts Festival is a big event in which many student groups can perform on stage. There are many art exhibitions and dance shows that take place in the festival. Student Council members visit many high schools in Istanbul and advertise for this great event. People from all the high schools come together in this festival to praise art. At the end of the festival, traditionally a very famous group performs on stage. An example to this would be Athena who performed several years ago. This is a great achievement given the limited budget of the Student Council. Most of the revenues used to fund this event are raised through food and ticket sales. Food sellers are usually picked by Student Council members and consist of people who have restaurants close to Robert College like "kumpir" sellers in Ortakoy, or Askana etc. This promotes the tight-knit Robert College community spirit.International Istanbul Youth Forum (IYF)
The International Istanbul Youth Forum is an annually held conference at Robert College. It is the first conference in Turkey that is recognized as a Regional EYP (European Youth Parliament) session. It is being organized every year since 2006 with participants from numerous European countries. Each year, more than 150 participants from all over Europe gather at the RC campus. The conference is organized by the Robert College European Youth Club.Ethics Forum
The Ethics Forum is the first to be established at high school level in TurkeyTurkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
. Robert College Ethical Values Club organizes an ethics case study contest at national level among high school students, following their forum. The results are announced at the Ethics Conference near the end of the year. Both events attract more than twenty public and private schools from around Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
.
Robert College International Model United Nations (RCIMUN)
The fifth annual Robert College International Model United Nations (RCIMUN) will be held on 5–9 April 2011 and on the Robert College campus while the school is not in session due to the spring vacation. This conference includes the Security CouncilUnited Nations Security Council
The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of...
of UN and ECOSOC
United Nations Economic and Social Council
The Economic and Social Council of the United Nations constitutes one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and it is responsible for the coordination of the economic, social and related work of 14 UN specialized agencies, its functional commissions and five regional commissions...
as well as a simulation of the International Criminal Court
International Criminal Court
The International Criminal Court is a permanent tribunal to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression .It came into being on 1 July 2002—the date its founding treaty, the Rome Statute of the...
and the simulation of the Emergency General Assembly during the Suez Crisis. There will be about 750 students, of which about 42% will come from international schools.
Istanbul Gençlik Forumu (IGF)
Istanbul Gençlik Forumu is a national conference where representatives from over 30 high schools from different regions come together to discuss issues regarding the future of Turkey. In 2008, the 5th IGF welcomed over 250 participants. Discussions about international affairs are held in Turkish and each committee is responsible for writing a resolution. Then, at the General Assembly, each resolution is discussed and voted on. It is also the National Selection Conference of EYP Turkey, which is also recognized by the international office of European Youth Parliament. The conference is held annually and is organized by the Robert College European Youth Club.Turkish Theater Festival (TIFES)
Organized by the Robert College Theater Club, TIFES is one of the major theatrical events at high school level in Turkey. The festival takes place in Robert College campus during the first week of June. Numerous plays are put on stage during the week in Suna Kıraç Hall and famous actors, actresses and playwrights give talks on topics related to theatrical arts.Junior Achievement Robert College Conference (JARC)
Robert College Junior Achievement Club is hosting this event. About 300 Junior Achievement students from all over Turkey meet each other and share their experiences with others and famous entrepreneurs and artists related to the topics like Risk (2010), Alternative Careers (2009), Creating a Brand (2008). The entertaining workshop about these topics is a didacting icebreaking activity to strengthen the relationship between Junior Achievement students. The nearest conference is in April 2011.Eurasian Schools Debating championships
Main article: Eurasian Schools Debating ChampionshipsEurasian Schools Debating Championships
The Eurasian Schools Debating Championships is an annual open English-language debating tournament for high school-level teams representing different countries...
Campus
The 65 acres (263,045.9 m²) wooded campus overlooking Bosphorus on the European side of Istanbul is home to historic buildings as well as modern ones, centennial trees and a rich fauna, among which Bosphorus Beetle, an endemic species to this campus, could be counted.Major buildings
- Gould Hall: This building, the oldest educational building on the campus, is a gift from Helen Gould Shepard, daughter of the famous 19th century Wall Street financier Jay GouldJay GouldJason "Jay" Gould was a leading American railroad developer and speculator. He has long been vilified as an archetypal robber baron, whose successes made him the ninth richest American in history. Condé Nast Portfolio ranked Gould as the 8th worst American CEO of all time...
. She donated US$150,000 for the construction, which began in 1911 and was completed in 1914. Today it houses classrooms, the main administrative offices, the library, Heritage Museum and cafeteria as well as Turkish Literature and Social Sciences Departments.
- Woods Hall: Completed in 1914, the building was a partial gift from Mrs. Henry WoodsHenry WoodsHenry Woods may refer to:* Henry Woods , American congressman* Henry Felix Woods , British admiral* Henry Woods , British geologist* Henry John Woods Henry Woods may refer to:* Henry Woods (Pennsylvania) (1764–1826), American congressman* Henry Felix Woods (1843–1929), British admiral* Henry...
, of Boston, who donated US$58,000, with Helen Gould supplying the remaining US$25,000 required. It was used as a Science Building until 1990, and today is home to the English Prep classrooms and offices, as well as a cafeteria. - Mitchell Hall: Originally home to the school kitchens and dining room, it was a gift from Miss Olivia E. Phelps Stokes, who donated US$100,000. A modest woman, she asked for the building to be named in memory of her friend, Sarah Lindlay Mitchell. Today, the building houses classrooms, the Math Department, the Sait Halman Computer Center, the audio-visual center. The top floor is used for examinations and minor conferences.
- Sage Hall: A gift from Mrs. Margaret Olivia Sage, widow of Russell SageRussell SageRussell Sage was a financier, railroad executive and Whig politician from New York, United States. As a frequent partner of Jay Gould in various transactions, he amassed a fortune, which passed to his second wife, Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage, when he died...
, a famous 19th century financier and associate of Jay Gould, Sage Hall is one of the few buildings used for its building purpose. A philanthropist, she donated US$100,000 for the building, built as a dormitory. Today, the building houses the girls' dormitories, infirmary and art studios and a photography studio. - Bingham Hall: Originally built as a medical school building, financed by William Bingham in memory of his mother, Mary Payne Bingham, the building housed the junior high school section, from 1925 to 1992. Today, it is home to the boys' dormitories, as well as a small conference room, business and administrative offices.
- Feyyaz Berker Hall: Feyyaz BerkerFeyyaz BerkerFeyyaz Berker is a Turkish businessman, born in Mersin. He is one of the three co-founders and current owners of the Tekfen Holding. His father, Muhtar Berker, an ophthalmologist in Mersin, was elected to Grand National Assembly of Turkey in 1939 as İçel deputy...
Hall, which today houses the science labs and classrooms, as well as the Science Department, was completed in 1990, and named after its largest donor,leading Turkish businessman and Robert College TrusteeTrusteeTrustee is a legal term which, in its broadest sense, can refer to any person who holds property, authority, or a position of trust or responsibility for the benefit of another...
Feyyaz Berker (Robert College Eng '46 alumnus). The Biology Museum, which has one of the rarest collections in Turkey, has been reopened in the top floor of the building. - Suna Kıraç Hall: A state-of-the-art theater building completed in 1990, which includes a large stage, make-up rooms, modern sound and lighting system and seatings for 512 people, was named after its largest donor Suna Kıraç (American College for Girls '60 alumnus), a leading Turkish businesswoman and Robert College Trustee.
- Nejat Eczacıbaşı Hall: The modern school gymnasium was opened in 1990 and named after its largest donor, prominent Turkish bio-chemist and businessman Dr. Nejat EczacıbaşıNejat EczacibasiMehmet Nejat Ferit Eczacıbaşı, known simply as Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı, , a second generation member of the notable Turkish Eczacıbaşı family, was a chemist, industrialist, entrepreneur and philanthropist....
(Robert College '32 alumnus).
Library
When founded in 1863, Robert College had four students. A sum of $2,120 had been allocated to the library, and Harvard UniversityHarvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
had donated 200 volumes for the opening of the library. During the 50's and 60's, the college had one of the largest collections in Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
. (In 1957: 111,598 books and 214 periodicals; the American College for Girls Library 27,163 books and 108 periodicals, according to the Turkiye Kutuphaneleri Rehberi (Guide to Libraries in Turkey) published by the Turkish National Library in that year.) After the foundation of Boğaziçi University
Bogaziçi University
Boğaziçi University is a public university located on the European side of the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, Turkey. It has five faculties and two schools offering undergraduate degrees, and six institutes offering graduate degrees...
, the college donated the majority of its collections to the newly founded university. Today, Robert College has the largest library collection among secondary schools in Turkey. The library houses more than 47,300 books, 190 periodical publications, and two web-based databases. It occupies an area of 700 square meters with a seating capacity of 90, and serves a total of 927 students, as well as all the employees and alumni of the school on second and third floors of Gould Hall.
Child Study Center
The Child Study Center on the Robert College campus has 40 students between 3–6 years of age, four bilingual teachers, and a director. The center is a natural observation environment for students who are taking PsychologyPsychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
and Child Psychology classes. According to the college's website, "the educational program at the center is designed to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, self-competence, independence, initiative , creativity, empathy, problem solving and thinking skills in children."
Other buildings and facilities
- The Rodney B. Wagner Memorial Maze (The Legend of Maze)
- The White House (Bubble)
- Tennis courts
- Faculty housing (Yalı and numerous houses dispersed on campus)
- Rose Garden
- Biology Pond
- The Bridge and the Security
- Yuva (Child Study Center)
- Forum
Note: This section only includes the buildings in today's Robert College campus (formerly the campus of American College for Girls); the ones in the former boys campus of Robert College could be found in Boğaziçi University
Bogaziçi University
Boğaziçi University is a public university located on the European side of the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, Turkey. It has five faculties and two schools offering undergraduate degrees, and six institutes offering graduate degrees...
article.
Tuition and financial aid
The tuition fees are adjusted each year according to the inflation rates in a limited range set by the Ministry of Education. Robert College has been the most expensive private school in Turkey over the years. It is still the most expensive educational institution surpassing the private universities. According to school data, 22% of the students receive financial aid and the allocated funds for financial aid amount to US$3.8 million for the 2007–2008 academic year.Notable alumni
Since the time of the Ottoman Empire, Robert College alumni have played a leading role in numerous fields — from the arts to government administration.In 1990, three alumni, Nejat Eczacıbaşı
Nejat Eczacibasi
Mehmet Nejat Ferit Eczacıbaşı, known simply as Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı, , a second generation member of the notable Turkish Eczacıbaşı family, was a chemist, industrialist, entrepreneur and philanthropist....
, Suna Kıraç and Feyyaz Berker
Feyyaz Berker
Feyyaz Berker is a Turkish businessman, born in Mersin. He is one of the three co-founders and current owners of the Tekfen Holding. His father, Muhtar Berker, an ophthalmologist in Mersin, was elected to Grand National Assembly of Turkey in 1939 as İçel deputy...
have donated the necessary funds for the construction of the new buildings that are mentioned in the Buildings section. As the costs of the school cannot be met by the tuition fees alone, the Alumni Association organizes an annual giving campaign to cover the costs of the school. Bizimtepe, a cultural and recreational center next to the campus, is an affiliate of the Alumni Association and was founded to raise funds for the school. The Alumni Association publishes RC Quarterly, which reaches 8,000 Robert College alumni around the world by mail.
Notable faculty (former and current)
- Cahit ArfCahit ArfCahit Arf was a Turkish mathematician. He is known for the Arf invariant of a quadratic form in characteristic 2 in topology, the Hasse–Arf theorem in ramification theory, Arf semigroups, and Arf rings.-Biography:Cahit Arf was born on 11 October 1910 in Selanik , which was then...
, Mathematician - Mihri Pektaş, Among the first female members of Turkish Parliament, alumna of American College of Girls
- John FreelyJohn FreelyJohn Freely is an American physicist, teacher, and author of popular travel and history books on Istanbul, Athens, Venice, Turkey, Greece and the Ottoman Empire. He is the father of writer Maureen Freely....
, Professor of Physics, author - Mebrure Gönenç, Among the first female members of Turkish Parliament, alumna of American College of Girls
- Necip Fazıl KısakürekNecip Fazil KisakürekAhmet Necip Fazıl Kısakürek was a Turkish poet, novelist, playwright, philosopher and activist. He is also known with his initials NFK...
, Poet, author - Paul LangePaul Lange (musician)Paul Lange was a German musician living and working in Istanbul. He came to the Ottoman capital as lecturer at the American College for Girls...
, Conductor of Ottoman Empire's Royal Orchestra, musician, father of US conductor Hans LangeHans LangeHans Lange was a German-American conductor and musician. He was a son of Paul Lange, who had been a lecturer for music at the American College for Girls and German High School Istanbul in the 1890s, and later was appointed the Sultan's director of music... - Friedrich SchraderFriedrich SchraderFriedrich Schrader was a German philologist of oriental languages, orientalist, art historian, writer, social democrat, translator and journalist. He also used the pseudonym Ischtiraki...
, German journalist, author - Karl von TerzaghiKarl von TerzaghiKarl von Terzaghi was an Austrian civil engineer and geologist, called the father of soil mechanics.-Early life:...
, Austrian civil engineer, see Soil mechanicsSoil mechanicsSoil mechanics is a branch of engineering mechanics that describes the behavior of soils. It differs from fluid mechanics and solid mechanics in the sense that soils consist of a heterogeneous mixture of fluids and particles but soil may also contain organic solids, liquids, and gasses and other... - Behçet Kemal Çağlar, Poet
- Dave PhillipsDave PhillipsDavid Robert Phillips is a retired umpire, first with the American League from 1971-1999, then with both leagues from 2000-2002...
, the first African American basketball player in Turkey
See also
- List of Robert College alumni
- Istanbul International Community SchoolIstanbul International Community SchoolIstanbul International Community School, the first international school established in Istanbul, was founded in 1911 to educate the children of international professors at Robert College. The name of the school was Robert College Community School until 1979, when it was changed to its current name,...
- Boğaziçi UniversityBogaziçi UniversityBoğaziçi University is a public university located on the European side of the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, Turkey. It has five faculties and two schools offering undergraduate degrees, and six institutes offering graduate degrees...
- List of high schools in Turkey
- Tarsus American CollegeTarsus American College-Overview:Tarsus American College or Tarsus American School is a private coeducational high school located in Tarsus, province Mersin, Turkey.It is known for the success of its alumni throughout the world...
- Üsküdar American AcademyÜsküdar American AcademyÜsküdar American Academy is a private coeducational high school located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is regarded as one of the most academically rigorous institutions in Turkey.-History:...
- American Collegiate InstituteAmerican Collegiate InstituteFounded in 1878, the American Collegiate Institute , commonly referred to by the acronym ACI, is a private co-educational high school in Goztepe, İzmir, Turkey. ACI was founded, and is now run, by the charity foundation SEV, Sağlık ve Eğitim Vakfı...
Books on Robert College
- Ali Neyzi, Alma Mater and the Story of Robert College
- Asya Orhon, Kolejlerin Koleji, Robert Kolej
- Betty Tank, Pushing My Shadow
- Caleb Frank Gates, Not To Me Only, Princeton, 1940.
- Cyrus HamlinCyrus HamlinCyrus Hamlin was an American Congregational missionary and educator, the father of A. D. F. Hamlin....
, My Life and Times, Boston, 1893. - Cyrus HamlinCyrus HamlinCyrus Hamlin was an American Congregational missionary and educator, the father of A. D. F. Hamlin....
, Among the Turks - Eren Yanık, Akvaryum
- George Washburn, Fifty Years in Constantinople and Recollections of Robert College, Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1909.
- Hester Donaldson Jenkins, An Educational Ambassador to the Middle East
- John Freely, History of Robert College, Istanbul, YKY, 2000.
- Lynn Scipio, My Thirty Years in Turkey, New Hampshire, Ringde, 1955.
- Mary Mills Patrick, A Bosphorus Adventure, London, 1934.
- Mary Mills Patrick, Under Five Sultans
- May Fincancı, The Story of Robert College Old and New
- Moris FarhiMoris FarhiMoris Farhi MBE is an author who has been vice-president of International PEN since 2001.-Background:Farhi was born in Ankara, Turkey, in 1935. Farhi received B.A. in Humanities from Robert Academy, Istanbul, in 1954. He came to the UK the same year and trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic...
, Young Turk - Orhan Türker, Mega Revma'dan Arnavutköy'e, Istanbul, 2005
- Stevens Marcia&Malcolm, Against the Devil's Current: Life & Times of C.H.
- Talat S. HalmanTalat S. HalmanProf. Talât Sait Halman, GBE is a famous Turkish poet, translator and cultural historian. He is the first Minister of Culture of Turkey...
, Aklın Yolu Bindir, Istanbul, 2003. - Ugur Ersoy, 1950–55 Erguvan Renkli Yıllar, Istanbul, 2004.