Darulaceze: 130 Years of Compassion and Excellence in Care

As Darulaceze marks its 130th anniversary, it stands as a living testament to the enduring values of care, compassion, and solidarity deeply rooted in Turkish society. Founded by Sultan Abdulhamid II in 1895, Darulaceze has evolved into a globally recognized model of excellence in social care, reflecting the Turkish people's unwavering commitment to supporting the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and orphans.

The newly opened Alzheimer and Dementia Care Center, part of the Darulaceze Social Life City in Arnavutkoy, represents the latest step in this legacy. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently visited the facility, reaffirming the institution’s critical role in addressing the growing needs of an aging population. His engagement with residents and symbolic gesture of distributing carnations highlighted the nation’s deep respect for its elderly and vulnerable citizens.

Darulaceze President Esra Ceceli İslam emphasized the institution’s groundbreaking approach in an exclusive interview, stating, “Aging and loneliness will be among the world’s biggest challenges in the coming years. While many countries struggle to address these issues, Türkiye continues to uphold its responsibilities as a social state through well-established institutions like Darulaceze. What was envisioned 130 years ago remains a beacon of excellence today.”

The Alzheimer and Dementia Care Center in Arnavutkoy is a manifestation of this vision. With individualized care plans tailored to each resident’s needs, implemented by a dedicated team of caregivers, nurses, and physiotherapists, Darulaceze is setting new global standards. İslam noted, “We are documenting and presenting the Darülaceze care model on national and international platforms as a scientific benchmark in caregiving.”

Darulaceze’s origins trace back to the humanitarian crisis of the Ottoman-Russian War, when thousands of displaced people sought refuge in Istanbul. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive support system, Sultan Abdulhamid II donated gold and land from his personal treasury to establish Darulaceze—not just as a shelter, but as a place of rehabilitation, where individuals received vocational training to rebuild their lives.

“During the war, countless families were separated, orphans left on the streets, and many found themselves without shelter or support,” İslam explained. “Sultan Abdulhamid II’s vision ensured that no one would be left homeless. This philosophy of inclusivity and dignity has remained the foundation of Darulaceze for 130 years.”

Today, Darulaceze continues to operate on these principles. Those without financial means receive free care, while others contribute through donations, creating a sustainable support system that thrives on public goodwill. İslam emphasized, “We do not receive any funding from the state budget. Darulaceze is built on trust, sustained by philanthropists and the collective spirit of the Turkish people.”

As Türkiye advances, the need for elderly and disability care continues to grow. Under President Erdogan’s directive, the Darulaceze Arnavutkoy Social Life City was constructed—a state-of-the-art facility ten times larger than the original Darülaceze in Okmeydanı. This new center is poised to become a world-class institution, particularly in Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

İslam highlighted Türkiye’s growing role in global elderly care initiatives: “Türkiye’s model is now included among the world’s ‘10 Years of Healthy Aging’ initiatives. This recognition affirms our commitment to innovation and excellence in caregiving.”

Darulaceze’s impact extends beyond Türkiye’s borders. As a member of the UN Economic Commission for Europe’s aging working group, İslam has been instrumental in shaping global policies on elderly care. “Our participation in international platforms has provided momentum for aging-related research and best practices,” she explained. “We are proud to share Türkiye’s expertise and humanitarian approach with the world.”

As Darulaceze celebrates 130 years of service, it remains a symbol of Türkiye’s enduring values of generosity and community. Inaugurated on January 31, 1895—the birthday of Sultan Abdulhamid II—it has provided care and shelter to society’s most vulnerable, without discrimination based on religion, language, race, or gender. Its campus, housing a mosque, a church, and a synagogue, embodies a spirit of inclusivity and unity.

By continually adapting its services to meet the evolving needs of modern society, Darulaceze ensures that its legacy of compassion and solidarity will continue to inspire and set global standards for generations to come.