Robert College: The American Founders

"In October 1857, two young brothers ...were ushered into the drawing room of Christopher Rhinelander Robert, noted New York merchant and philanthropist... They requested Robert to help finance the opening of an institution of higher learning in İstanbul." So begins the story of teh founding of Robert College, the first American institution of higher education abroad, and predecessor of Boğaziçi University, nearly one and a half centuries ago. It is first and foremost the story of the character and aspirations of Cyrus Hamlin, the driving force behind the establishment of the school, and of the complex relationship betwen him and the other two individuals who made the realization of this educational project possible, Christopher Robet and George Washburn. This in itself is a fascinating and compelling tale, one that will hold the attention not only of those interested in the institution itself but of a much wider readership.