Constructed by Architect Alexandre Vallauri in 1897, the building previously belonged to Düyun-u Umumiye (Ottoman State Public Debts Agency) and today it is used as İstanbul High School for Boys. On the other hand, the school’s history dates back to the opening of Numune-i Terakki in 1884, whose name was changed to Istanbul High School for Boys in 1923, followed by a relocation to its current historical building in 1933.

The school stood out amongst others in the revolutionary students’ movement from the 1970s, became a focal point with boycotts and occupy protests while an adjacent club became an organizing hub for students. Society of İstanbul High School for Boys Graduates which was formed in 1931, continues its activities as the Association of İstanbul High School Graduates since 1987.