[1][2] It was established with the initiative of Dr. Mazhar Osman (1884–1951) and approval of Minister of Health Refik Saydam (1881–1942) in the premises of Reşadiye Barracks at Bakırköy, Istanbul on October 15, 1924.

[1] The facility in Bakırköy was initially named Istanbul Hospital of Mental Disorders and Neurology (Turkish: İstanbul Emraz-ı Akliye ve Asabiye Hastanesi).

[1] As a remedy to the existing problem of overcapacity bedding, a mental health dispensary was opened in Istanbul, which was followed by more units throughout the city in later years.

[1][2] The number of inpatients could be held limited through shortened bedding time by speedy examination and effective treatment, as well as discharge of patients with better conditions outside.

[1] Efforts of the Chief physician Yıldırım Aktuna (1930–2007) in fundraising played a major role in the improvement of the hospital's treatment and healthcare facilities.

[1] In the 1990s, the scientific work, which began in the former decade, continued when new services and equipment were introduced diversifying the specialization areas in psychiatry, neurology and neurosurgery.

[4] Among other exhibits are a straitjacket, used to restrain a patient from causing harm to himself or others, an electroshock device used in electroconvulsive therapy and drug bottles used in early years.