Şemsipaşa Primary School

Audio Narration:

Construction Year:

1761

Location:

Üsküdar, İstanbul

Ordered By:

Sultan Mustafa III

Architect:

Unknown

Changes After Construction:
  • It was commissioned by Sultan Mustafa III at the same time as Ayazma Mosque and initially served as Ayazma Primary School.
  • In place of the school that lost its importance over time, Üsküdar Primary School was opened in the same building.
  • In 1913, the construction process for the present building was initiated in place of the old school structure in a ruined condition, and the building was rebuilt.
  • In 1953, an annex building called a “sundurma” was added to the school complex.
  • In 1975, Üsküdar Secondary School was opened in a part of the school.
  • In 2012, the institution was divided into Şemsipaşa Primary School and Şemsipaşa Secondary School.
Prominent Features:
  • The complex was also used under the names Ayazma Primary School, Üsküdar Primary School, Ayazma Foundation Primary School, and Üsküdar 21st School.
  • Opened as a primary school, it is among the oldest primary schools in Istanbul.
  • At the historical foundation of the school are the Humbaracı Barracks opened in 1731 and the Imperial School of Engineering opened in 1734.
  • On the inscription of the entrance gate, there is a statement indicating that the building was rebuilt “with the funds of National Defence.”
  • Şeker Ahmet Pasha, who has a very important place in Turkish painting art, graduated from this school during the period when it was Üsküdar Primary School.