What Hacettepe University is
Located in Ankara, Hacettepe University is a major academic, cultural, and scientific institution. Established in 1967, it developed from a pioneering institution in child health into a comprehensive research university with more than 150 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate programs (Hacettepe University Official Website).
As of 2025, the university comprises 16 faculties, 15 graduate schools and institutes, 4 vocational schools, 2 applied schools, a conservatory, and nearly 100 research and application centers (hacettepe.edu.tr). It has approximately 50,000 students and 3,600 academic staff, and is known for its medical, health, and engineering education (timeshighereducation.com; topuniversities.com).
In 2025, Hacettepe placed #641–650 in the QS World Rankings and led the University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP) in Turkey (Top Universities; Wikipedia). Its medical, health, and engineering programs are especially prestigious.
History
Hacettepe University’s roots lie in Turkey’s efforts to modernize healthcare and education. In 1954, Prof. Dr. İhsan Doğramacı founded the Chair of Child Health within Ankara University’s Faculty of Medicine (crwflags.com). The Hacettepe Children’s Hospital and Institute of Child Health followed by 1958 (studyabroad365.com). Doğramacı’s vision was to provide specialized training and innovative healthcare (en.wikipedia.org).
The university expanded during the 1960s. The School of Health Sciences opened in 1961; the Faculty of Medicine and School of Dentistry were established in 1963; and the School of Basic Sciences followed in 1964. These institutions initially operated as the “Hacettepe Science Center” under Ankara University (crwflags.com).
Hacettepe became independent in 1967 under Turkish Parliamentary Act No. 892. Its subsequent growth brought new faculties, vocational schools, research centers, and the forested Beytepe Campus (Wikipedia; edarabia.com; timeshighereducation.com).
The university has contributed to higher education in Turkey through interdisciplinary research and societal engagement. Prof. Dr. İhsan Doğramacı also helped shape national education policy and establish Bilkent University, Turkey’s first private university (crwflags.com). Hacettepe continues to have a prominent role in Turkish academia (hacettepe.edu.tr).
What to see
Campuses
Hacettepe’s two main campuses offer contrasting settings:
- Sıhhiye Campus In Ankara’s city center, this is the university’s medical and historical core, with the Medical Centre and health-related faculties. Highlights include university hospitals and the central library. It is also close to Hamamönü.
- Beytepe Campus Located 13 km from the city center, this expansive, wooded campus houses faculties for sciences, engineering, arts, and other fields. Highlights include Hacettepe Teknokent, recreational facilities, libraries, and cultural centers (Hacettepe University Official).
Additional campuses are located in Beşevler, Polatlı, Sincan, and Keçiören (en.wikipedia.org; timeshighereducation.com).
Hacettepe University Monument and emblem
The university’s stylized stag emblem was designed in 1967 by Dr. Yücel Tanyeri. It represents both Hittite heritage and forward-looking innovation (en.wikipedia.org).
The Hacettepe University Monument is on the Sıhhiye Campus. It commemorates the university’s founding and its role in Turkish education, and embodies the motto “Forward to the Better.” Plaques and inscriptions record key milestones (Hacettepe University Monument Guide).
Museum and Center for Biodiversity
On Beytepe Campus, the Museum and Center for Biodiversity presents Turkey’s natural heritage and research in environmental sciences (BigSEE). Its features include interactive flora and fauna exhibits, research labs open for educational visits, and landscape preservation projects.
Practical visiting information
Hours and admission
Campus hours are given as 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, with weekend schedules subject to change; check the official website. A separate campus-visiting listing gives hours of 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, noting that individual facilities may have different hours.
There is no general campus admission fee. Specialized facilities may have separate schedules or require appointments, and special exhibitions may charge separate fees.
The monument is listed as open 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with free admission.
The Museum and Center for Biodiversity is open Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, and closed Mondays and public holidays. Admission is free; guided tours are available by booking.
Transportation and parking
- Sıhhiye Campus Accessible via Sıhhiye Metro station. One transit listing gives the Sıhhiye metro as serving the M1 and M2 lines. The monument is a 10-minute walk from Sıhhiye Station, and multiple bus lines serve the area.
- Beytepe Campus Accessible by the M2 metro and city buses.
- Driving On-campus parking is available. Parking is described as ample in one campus listing, though it may be limited during peak hours. Parking is also available near the monument and on campus for museum visitors.
- The Museum and Center for Biodiversity can be reached by public transport or taxi.
Visitor services, tours, and amenities
Both campuses are described as wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair-friendly routes, ramps, and elevators. Information points provide visitor support, and information desks offer support in Turkish and English. Monument visitors requiring accessibility assistance are advised to contact the university in advance; wheelchair assistance there is available with prior notification.
Cafeterias, coffee shops, bookstores, free Wi-Fi, and souvenir shops are available on both campuses. Beytepe has a 24/7 hospital. Guesthouses and nearby hotels are available.
Guided campus tours can be arranged through university visitor services or requested through the Office of External Affairs (AdmissionSight). Monument tours are listed as available on weekends and public holidays, with booking through the official website or at the information desk. Museum guided tours require booking. Academic conferences and cultural events are frequently open to the public.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the campuses and museum.
- Spring and autumn are suggested as good seasons to visit.
- Scenic photography spots include Beytepe’s green spaces and the stag monument. Photography is allowed in public campus areas. At the museum, photos are permitted except where flash is prohibited.
- Allow 2+ hours for a museum visit, and check ahead for workshops and events.
- Book tours and overnight stays in advance.
- For current campus hours, events, and tours, consult the Hacettepe University Official Website.
Nearby places
Nearby attractions include:
- Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Atatürk.
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, an archaeological museum.
- Kocatepe Mosque, one of Ankara’s largest mosques.
- Hamamönü, near the Sıhhiye Campus.
Frequently asked questions
What are the visiting hours for the campuses?
Campus hours are listed as 8:00 AM–6:00 PM on weekdays, with weekend schedules subject to change. Another listing gives 8:00 AM–8:00 PM daily; facility hours may differ. Check the official website.
Is campus entry free?
Yes. There is no general campus admission fee. Special exhibitions may charge separate fees, and specialized facilities may have separate schedules or require appointments.
Is the monument free to visit, and when does it close?
Admission is free. It is listed as open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and is not open at night.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Campus tours can be arranged through university visitor services or requested through the Office of External Affairs. Monument tours are listed for weekends and public holidays and require advance booking.
Are the campuses and monument accessible to wheelchair users?
The campuses have wheelchair-friendly routes, ramps, and elevators. Monument assistance is available with prior notification; contact the university to make arrangements.
Is parking available?
Yes. On-campus parking is available, though space may be limited at busy times. Parking is also listed near the monument and on campus for museum visitors.
Is the Museum and Center for Biodiversity suitable for children?
Yes. Its interactive exhibits are described as family-friendly.
Can visitors take photos at the museum?
Yes, except where flash is prohibited.
