Founded in 1881 by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the spiritual center of the Eastern Orthodox Church, this school emerged to provide education to the Greek Orthodox community in Istanbul at that time. Among Istanbul's dense Greek population, families were searching for a quality education for their children.
Housed in a large building built in neoclassical style and notable for its striking decorations, the school became renowned for offering a rigorous academic program and its commitment to educating young people from diverse backgrounds. Its graduates have led the way in many fields, from politics to business, from arts to many others. However, like many institutions of the Greek community of Istanbul, the school was also affected during the political and social periods of the 20th century. As a result of the Greek-Turkish tensions in the 1950s, many Greeks had to leave Istanbul and school enrollment decreased. Eventually, in the 1970s, the school was closed.
The building where Balat and Fener Greek High Schools are located is still standing today and stands out as a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture. Although used for different purposes, this building remains an important part of Istanbul's cultural heritage and serves as a reminder of the rich history of the Greek Orthodox community in Istanbul.