Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts was founded in 1882 as the School of Fine Arts (Mekteb-i Sanayi-i Nefise-i Sahane)and education began on March 2, 1883, with 20 students, by Osman Hamdi Bey. The first fine art school was in front of todays archeology musuem. Before moved to its actual building in Findikli in 1926, in order first moved to Cagaloglu, Sehzadebasi, Divanyolu and second time to Cagaloglu. Todays academy building was constructed by Abdulmecit (1939-1961) for his two daughters Cemile ve Munire. Between 1913-1920 the building was used as Ottoman Parliament building.

Mimar Sinan University was the first of its kind in Turkey. It is a state university and located in Findikli neighborhood on the Bosphorus shore. The school became co-educational in 1914, then in 1928 it was converted to fine art academy. It became the first academy in Turkey. In 1948 it was fired and after restoration in 1953, reopened. According to the law accepted in 1961 it was called : “Istanbul Devlet Guzel Sanatlar Akademisi” “Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts” and won its scientific independence. On July 1982 converted to university and named after XVI century famous architect Sinan, “Mimar Sinan University”. Finally, in December 2003, the administration of the university changed its name to “Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts”. Education term in university is 5 years.

Mimar Sinan University on Google Maps