Our Foundation
The precursor to FMV Işık Schools, Feyz-i Sıbyan, was established on December 14, 1885, in Thessaloniki by Mümeyyiz Tevfik Efendi. When Şemsi Efendi, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s teacher, had to close his own school due to financial difficulties, he joined Feyz-i Sıbyan, marking the beginning of a tradition of enlightening Turkish children with the LIGHT (i.e. Işık) of knowledge.
During the Balkan War, the school was relocated to Istanbul, first to Koska and later to Teşvikiye. Despite enduring some of the most challenging periods in history, it remained committed to its mission, demonstrating unwavering dedication and effort to contribute to the country’s education system. As a result, the school grew stronger every day.
Playing a crucial role in transitioning Ottoman foundations into the Republic era, Feyz-i Sıbyan became one of Turkey’s oldest educational foundations. On December 16, 1934, during its 50th anniversary, it was officially renamed IŞIK with the approval of Atatürk.
Since 1885, this century-old institution has been committed to “Raising Good Individuals First”, contributing to national education by establishing schools at all levels—from kindergarten to university. Expanding its mission of enlightenment, the foundation has opened multiple campuses:
- Nişantaşı Campus (Main Campus)
- Ayazağa Campus (1985)
- Erenköy Campus (2000)
- Ispartakule Campus (2013)
- Florya Campus (2023)
Founded in 1996, FMV Işık University today provides education through:
- 3 faculties offering 22 undergraduate program
- 1 vocational school with 10 associate degree programs
- Graduate Education Institute with 54 master’s and 6 doctoral programs
- School of Foreign Languages
- Research and application centers
Through its rich academic environment, FMV Işık University continues to illuminate the path to knowledge for students.
