Istiklal Mektebi first opened in 1926 in a wooden building and is among the educational institutions built in the early years of the Republic. With the completion of the two-story stone building in 1947, the school moved to a permanent and sturdy location (although the two-story stone structure can also be seen in a photograph taken in 1928). While the flag seen in one photograph bears the inscription “Erkek İlk Mektebi” (Boys’ Elementary School), another photograph features the inscription “Kayseri Kız Avret Mektebi” (Kayseri Girls’ School).
Symmetry is a prominent feature of the facade design of this stone structure. The rectangular windows on the ground floor are secured with iron bars, while the upper floor features a striking arcade design. The arched openings resting on pairs of columns give the upper floor a dynamic appearance. This design not only adds an aesthetic dimension to the building but also emphasizes the entrance area.
As a school building designed with functionality in mind, the structure served educational purposes with its spacious interiors. Following the War of Independence, it was named “İstiklal Mektebi” to reflect the spirit of the era, imbuing the building with symbolic significance.
Over time, as the number of students declined, the school was vacated following the construction of a reinforced concrete annex. The stone building, which was at risk of collapse due to neglect, was demolished in stages during the 1980s.
