Founded upon the proposal submitted by Trabzon Deputy Mustafa Reşit Tarakçıoğlu and 28 of his colleagues, Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ) was established by Law No. 6594, enacted by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) on May 20, 1955. It is the first university founded outside the cities of Istanbul and Ankara. Approximately eight years after its establishment, on September 19, 1963, the University was granted Rectorate and Faculty positions by Law No. 336, leading to the foundation of the Faculties of Basic Sciences, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and Forestry. KTÜ commenced its educational activities on December 2, 1963, in the building of Trabzon Atatürk Primary School located in Esentepe District, and moved to its present main campus in 1966. Continuing its development, KTÜ was granted positions for the Faculties of Earth Sciences and Medicine by Law No. 1659 on January 4, 1973. Following the enactment of the Higher Education Law No. 2547 in 1981, the University has continued to expand, establishing new faculties and departments accordingly. Today, KTÜ comprises 12 faculties, 1 school, and 8 vocational schools, offering 81 undergraduate and 37 associate degree programs, as well as 89 master’s and 54 doctoral programs within 6 graduate institutes. With its strong academic staff, more than 30,000 students, and over 258,000 alumni, Karadeniz Technical University stands as one of the leading universities in Turkey. With its long-standing traditions, educational experience, robust infrastructure, excellent campus, and high-quality teaching and research capacity, KTÜ represents a true academic legacy.
