Istanbul Topkapi University was established as Plato Vocational School with four departments, as a foundation vocational school, by the decision of the Council of Ministers dated April 21, 2009. 

Within the scope of efforts to train expert professionals in various fields and provide undergraduate education in our country, Istanbul Ayvansaray University was established by Law No. 6761, adopted on November 16, 2016, and published in the Official Gazette dated November 24, 2016, issue No. 29898, by the Ayvansaray Education Foundation. In 2016, Plato Vocational School was incorporated into Istanbul Ayvansaray University. In line with student satisfaction and institutional growth, the educational services that began with four departments expanded to over 60 programs by 2016, and the university ranked among the most preferred foundation universities with high enrollment rates. 

Continuing its educational activities with a differentiated mission in the fields of renewal and internationalization, Istanbul Ayvansaray University underwent a structural transformation and, with the enactment of Law No. 7382 published in the Official Gazette dated March 11, 2022, issue No. 31775, its name was changed to Istanbul Topkapi University, under which it continues its academic operations. 

The university’s educational activities, which began with a single building in 2009. By 2024, the university proudly continues its educational journey across seven campuses, spanning nearly 150,000 square meters of area under it’s name. 

Istanbul Topkapi University encompasses a diverse range of academic units, including the Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture; the Faculty of Engineering; the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences; the Faculty of Sports Sciences; the Faculty of Health Sciences; the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; the Faculty of Communication; the Graduate School of Education; and the Plato Vocational School. 

Currently, Istanbul Topkapi University continues its efforts to cultivate graduates who embrace an entrepreneurial mindset, possess strong self-confidence, and are prepared to contribute to the business world through its 36 active master’s programs, 2 doctoral programs, 37 undergraduate departments, and 56 associate degree programs. 

At Istanbul Topkapi University, the Kazlıçeşme Campus hosts the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, the Plato Vocational School, and the Faculty of Fine Arts, Design, and Architecture. The Balat Campus houses the Preparatory School, while the Şişli Campus is home to the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts and the Culinary Program. The Altunizade Campus accommodates the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, and the technology-focused departments of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Design, and Architecture. The Bahçeşehir Campus offers programs under the Plato Vocational School, and the Levent Campus is dedicated to the Faculty of Sports Sciences. Additionally, the Yenibosna Campus features practical training facilities.