Ziya Kalkavan Maritime Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School

Ziya Kalkavan Maritime Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School is a well-established educational institution located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, providing maritime education in accordance with international standards under the authority of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Education.

The school aims to train qualified seafarers for the global merchant fleet and prepare students for higher education institutions focused on maritime studies, following the standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). As Türkiye’s first and most established maritime school, it conducts its activities in collaboration with reputable firms and universities in the sector.^【1】

The land on which the school stands was known in the 17th century as Kazancıoğlu Garden and acquired a new identity with the construction of Çırağan Palace between 1863 and 1867. Some of the buildings currently in use are the former auxiliary structures of Çırağan Palace: the Matbah-ı Amire and Istabl-ı Amire.

The institutional foundations trace back to 1909, when Captain Hamit Naci Bey established a private institution called "Milli Ticareti Bahriye ve Çarkçı Mektebi Alisi" in Azapkapı. In 1927, the school was relocated to Ortaköy and in 1928 was taken over by the Republican Government and modernized under the name "Yüksel Maritime Trade School."

In 1982, following a decision by the High Coordination Council for Maritime Interests and Benefits, the institution was transferred to the Ministry of National Education to train mid-level seafarers and adopted the name "Ortaköy Maritime Vocational High School." In the 1985–1986 academic year, a mandatory preparatory class was added, upgrading its status to a four-year "Anadolu Maritime High School." In 1993, it was renamed "Beşiktaş Ziya Kalkavan Anadolu Maritime Vocational High School" in honor of Ziya Kalkavan, who had served the maritime sector for many years.

In the 2014–2015 academic year, the institution was renamed "Ziya Kalkavan Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School," and in 2018 it became the first project school in the maritime field approved by the Ministry.^【2】

The school operates under the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Education. Its institutional operations follow both national legislation and international maritime regulations. Since 2018, its status as a "Project School" has granted it a distinctive position in curriculum development and administrative processes. The school’s vision and mission are structured to develop individuals equipped to compete in the global maritime sector in line with the objectives of Turkish national education.^【3】

The language of instruction at the institution is English, and a full-day education model is implemented. Classes begin at 08:30 and end at 17:20. The educational program lasts four years, including a mandatory preparatory class introduced in the 1985–1986 academic year.

In addition to the technical departments of "Deck" and "Ship Machinery," the school features the "Marine Electronics and Communications" department, the first of its kind in Türkiye, established in 1983–1984. Workshops have been modernized under the "Industrial Schools Project" and educational activities are supported by practical laboratory work alongside theoretical instruction.^【4】

Student admissions to Ziya Kalkavan Maritime Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School are conducted through the centralized examination system. According to 2024 data, the student quota is set at 120. The minimum admission score for that year was 362 and the maximum was 450.^【5】

The school operates on a historic campus located at Çırağan Street No: 34, Yıldız Neighborhood, Beşiktaş District, Istanbul, with direct access to the sea. The campus includes 15 classrooms, 6 workshops, and 13 vocational practice laboratories.

Additionally, there is one physics laboratory, one art classroom, and a library with a capacity of 4,000 books. Social facilities include one conference hall, four meeting rooms, two multipurpose halls, one sports hall, and two infirmaries. The school is heated by a central heating system; currently, there is no boarding or transportation service available. Student transportation is provided via sea and road routes.^【6】

A total of 355 students are currently enrolled. The academic success rate of graduates stands at 60 percent; according to available data, 45 out of 60 graduates have successfully gained admission to higher education institutions. Upon graduation, students enter the sector with professional competency certificates such as a seafarer’s book and medical report.^【7】

The school offers a broad range of activities to support student development. Sports activities include football, futsal, basketball, athletics, swimming, table tennis, and archery. At the scientific level, students participate in TÜBİTAK projects, Harezmi Education School initiatives, and Teknofest applications.

^{Visit from Italy for the ERASMUS Project} (Ziya Kalkavan MTAL)

The school also participates in the Unmanned Surface Vehicle Prototype Competition organized by the Presidency of Defense Industries. Social responsibility and guidance initiatives include Parent Academies, Current Guidance Practices, and Career Awareness Days.^【8】

The institution implements Erasmus projects in alignment with international educational standards and holds an e-Twinning certification. It coordinates with international organizations to follow global developments in maritime education and aims to integrate its students into the global merchant fleet.^【9】