Iskenderun Vocational School, which was opened in 1976 and affiliated with Iskenderun Technical University (ISTU) 5 years later, suffered severe damage in the earthquake that struck on February 6, 2023, which was centered in Kahramanmaras.
Following the controlled demolition of the school building, a project for a new complex of 6 buildings in the Fatih neighborhood of Belen district was launched to provide a more modern educational environment for the students.
During this period, it was decided that students in 17 programs of the school would continue their education remotely, while students in 2 programs would attend classes in classrooms allocated at ISTU.
As part of the project, construction work is ongoing in the 2 educational buildings whose foundation was laid on November 29, 2023, with the support of the Middle East Technical University (METU) Eymir Culture Foundation.
The completion of the steel construction buildings is planned for September.
According to information from university authorities, the administrative section and some classrooms in the buildings will be funded by the state budget in the project, and one building will be constructed with the contribution of TÜVTÜRK.
The campus spanning approximately 14,000 square meters of closed area will house 19 education programs, including computer programming, automotive technology, unmanned aerial vehicle technology, hybrid and electric vehicle technology.
ISTU Rector Prof. Dr. Tolga Depci stated that the “Let a Brick Be Yours Campaign” initiated for the Vocational School attracted attention and support from students who contributed their pocket money.
Depci emphasized the importance of the solidarity shown through the campaign and praised the students from both METU and ISTU for their contributions, highlighting the unity and togetherness in the face of a great disaster.
Depci also highlighted the significance of Iskenderun Vocational School, with its more than 3,000 students contributing to the country’s need for skilled workers and underlined the construction of a modern campus with social facilities, aiming to become one of Turkey’s most modern and sustainable campuses.
The rector emphasized that the campus will be self-sufficient, sustainable, and green, and will include cafeterias and canteens for the convenience of the students once completed.
