The Institute of Social Sciences at Istanbul University was established in 1982 under Article 19 of the Higher Education Law No. 2547 as part of Istanbul University. The institute provides postgraduate education and training in the field of social sciences, contributing to scientific research and practical projects. Since its inception, it has trained individuals specialized in various disciplines of social sciences, offering significant contributions to academia and society.

Historical Development and Institutional Structure

Establishment and Administrative Framework

The institute operates under the Regulation on the Organization and Functioning of Institutes of Graduate Education and Training. Its administrative structure consists of three main bodies:

• Institute Director: The highest-ranking authority responsible for the overall management and organization of the institute.
• Institute Council: Comprising the director, deputy directors, and heads of academic/artistic departments, the council is responsible for developing program content and planning academic activities.
• Institute Administrative Board: Made up of the director, deputy directors, and faculty members elected by the Institute Council, the board oversees education and training processes and makes administrative decisions.

Under Law No. 2547, the Institute Council and the Administrative Board perform the functions assigned to faculty councils and boards at the institute level.

Academic Programs and Structure

The Institute of Social Sciences works in close integration with various faculties, offering a broad academic spectrum. Its academic and artistic departments align with the faculties of Literature, Economics, Business, Political Sciences, Law, Communication, Theology, Hasan Ali Yücel Education, and the Istanbul University State Conservatory.

Program Diversity

• Master’s Programs: Thesis and non-thesis programs are available in disciplinary and interdisciplinary fields.
• Doctoral Programs: The institute offers doctoral training to develop researchers in the field of social sciences.
• Proficiency in Art Programs: Specialization opportunities in music and art disciplines are provided within the conservatory.
• Interdisciplinary Studies: Programs focusing on contemporary topics such as European Union and Istanbul Studies are conducted.

Historical Building

The institute’s building holds historical significance. In the 19th century, the site, now home to the Faculty of Pharmacy, housed the Evrak Hazinesi (Treasury of Documents). Built in 1868 as part of the Ministry of Finance, it was used for storing and organizing financial documents during the Ottoman Empire.

^{The Historical Institute Building}

The building was handed over to the Ottoman State Archives in 1985, providing historians with access to its facilities. However, it sustained damage during the 1999 earthquake and was transferred to the National Real Estate Administration in 2000. To this day, its official postal address includes the designation "State Archives Building."