The Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Maritime Faculty (YDO) Graduates Social Aid Foundation was established on January 30, 1995, under the name “İTÜ Denizcilik Fakültesi (YDO) Mezunları Sosyal Yardım Vakfı,” with the aim of providing scholarships to students of the ITU Maritime Faculty, offering academic support and financial assistance to graduates interested in pursuing an academic career, and providing health and education assistance to the needy spouses and children of our graduates.
The school was established as the “Leyli Merchant Captain School” in Heybeliada on March 21, 1887, as a boarding school section of the Naval War School to train civilian officers. However, due to the conflict between civilian and military captains, it served until 1905 and was subsequently closed. It graduated its last students in 1909.
In the same year, on July 9, 1909, it began admitting students and was officially established as a private school by Çarkçıbaşı Hamit Naci on May 20, 1910, under the name “National and Private Maritime Captain and Mechanic School”.
This private school provided 4 years of education after middle school. The school consisted of Deck and Engine Departments.
Due to high demand in the second year, the school was moved to Azapkapısı Meyyit Slope. When World War I broke out and students went to war, it was moved to Paşalimanı, Üsküdar in 1913.
In 1927, it was moved to Feriye Palace. In 1928, the school was nationalized and renamed “High Maritime Trade School”. It was attached to the Ministry of Economy. It was organized to have 2 years of high school and 2 years of higher sections, consisting of Deck and Engine Departments. Although the school originally provided daytime education, it became a boarding school in 1930.
In 1934, the school’s name was changed to “High Maritime Trade School” and became a boarding school. The duration of education in the Higher Departments was extended to 3 years.
In 1939, the school was attached to the Ministry of Transportation, and the high school departments were also closed.
On June 3, 1946, the name of the school was changed to “High Maritime School” by a law. The duration of education was extended to 4 years. Finally, the Society, which was decided on the Copper ship in 1946, was established in the first week of August 1949.
On August 18, 1981, by law numbered 1507, it was taken under the command of the Naval Forces Command, moved to Istanbul / Tuzla, and its name was changed to “Naval High School of Maritime Affairs”. And the structure of education was reorganized. It continued its education for 7 years as Naval High School of Maritime Affairs.
On October 6, 1988, in accordance with Law No. 3477, it took its place within Istanbul Technical University at the beginning of 1989 and was transformed into a high school affiliated with ITU Rectorate. On July 3, 1992, Law No. 2809 established the “ITU Faculty of Maritime”
It was attached to Istanbul Technical University on July 3, 1992, and took the name of ITU Maritime Faculty. It continues its activities under its current name. The previous association continues its activities under its new name. This is the point we have come to in the 137 years since 1887-2024.
DEFAV operates with deep love and respect for maritime culture. The foundation of our principles is to sustain the passion for maritime and pass it on to future generations.
We act with awareness of our responsibility to society and the maritime community. Our aim is to contribute to our community through social responsibility projects.
We aim to guide the future sailors. By supporting education, we aim to empower young minds in the maritime field.
We are committed to transparency and trustworthiness towards our donors. DEFAV pledges to ensure that every donation is used effectively and fairly.
As part of the maritime family, we act with a sense of solidarity and unity. We prioritize supporting each other and working together.
We embrace constant renewal and development. Our aim is to lead positive changes in the maritime sector through innovative projects.