Adana Historical Girls' High School
Adana Girls' High School is a prestigious institution with a significant place in Türkiye's educational history. This school is not only an educational center but also an historic building that has witnessed the history of the city it resides in. How can a school be both a classroom and a historical artifact?
Time Travel ⏳
When Was the Building Constructed?
The history of the current building dates back approximately 140 years, to the Ottoman period—long before you were born. The structure was built between 1881 and 1885 during the governorship of Abidin Pasha. At that time, it was one of the tallest buildings in the city.
What Was Its Original Purpose?
When first constructed, the building was not a girls' school. It initially served as a military middle school (Rüştiye), then later as a military high school (İdâdî). At one point, it was even used as a military supplies depot. After the War of Independence, it became a sultani high school, and finally in 1932, it opened its doors to female students and adopted the name Adana Girls' High School.
Adana Historic Girls' High School (Culture Portal)
Adana Girls' High School's Contribution to Education 💡
From 1932 to 1998, Adana Girls' High School was a vital center for the education of girls in the region. The school helped hundreds of female students receive a quality education and prepare for life. Imagine how valuable it was in those times to have a school established specifically for girls to attend!
Where Does It Provide Education Now?
During the major earthquake in Adana in 1998, the historic building sustained some damage. As a result, the school continued its educational activities in other buildings. The historic structure was restored and renovated between 2005 and 2006 and converted into the Adana Culture and Arts Center. Inside the historic building, there is even a small museum displaying old school equipment and photographs from its time as a school.
The school moved to its new building in 2009 and has continued its educational activities since the 2011–2012 academic year as an Anatolian High School. Today, it admits both female and male students, not only girls.
