About Us
The Institutional Name of Compassion
Darülaceze was founded in 1895 by the will of Sultan Abdulhamid II, with the aim of enabling the most vulnerable members of society to live a life worthy of human dignity. It was designed not merely as a shelter, but as an institution built upon compassion, solidarity, and social responsibility. Over the past 130 years since its establishment, Darülaceze has become a warm home for thousands of elderly people, patients, individuals with disabilities, children, and those without support, continuously providing healthcare, care, and rehabilitation services.
Today, while preserving its historical mission, Darülaceze implements a service model renewed in line with the needs of the modern age. Both at our long-established Okmeydanı campus and at our modern Social Living City established in Arnavutköy, a multifaceted structure has been created encompassing care, healthcare, rehabilitation, education, and social integration.
While meticulously safeguarding the legacy of the past, we continue to build the future of social services within a more sustainable, more modern, higher-quality, and more visionary framework.
Our Service Structure
24/7 care & healthcare
Today, the Darülaceze Presidency operates under the Ministry of Family and Social Services and provides services at two locations on the European side of Istanbul — the Okmeydanı and Arnavutköy campuses. All clothing, nutrition, accommodation, healthcare, and care needs of the residents staying at the institution are met, and services are delivered on a 24/7 basis.
Rehabilitation & psychosocial support
For health conditions requiring advanced examination and treatment, coordination is ensured with hospitals; at the same time, rehabilitation programs accompanied by psychologists and volunteers support residents’ integration into social life.
Social integration & volunteering
Extending from adult care blocks to children’s units, from specialized healthcare services to volunteering programs, this structure aims to offer not only care, but a dignified and productive life.
Darülaceze Presidency within the Framework of the 'Turkish Century' Vision
Darülaceze is a unique legacy of solidarity, whose foundations were laid in 1895 under the leadership of Sultan Abdul Hamid II. With over 130 years of history, it continues to exist not only as a care institution but also as a structure that institutionalizes the conscience and compassion of society.
As the Presidency of Darülaceze, within the framework of the vision of the 'Turkish Century', with the inspiration and strength we have received from this deep-rooted past,
- It aims to become an exemplary institution on a national and international scale by redefining the understanding of social care,
- making its services digital and inclusive,
- developing integrated living models with society.