Prior to the late 18th century, traditional educational institutions such as mahalle mektebi (English: neighborhood schools) and medrese dominated in the Ottoman Empire.

This regulation established a structured educational system comprising three levels: primary, secondary and academy.

The first non-military high school offering instruction in Turkish was Vefa Lisesi, established in 1872, which specialized in idadi courses.

Following the Tevhid-i Tedrisat Kanunu in 1924, which standardized the Turkish education system under the Republic, the school, along with all idadis and sultanis, was renamed Vefa Erkek Lisesi.

Known as Vefa Evening High School, it operated successfully until 1978, during which time it graduated nearly 5,000 students.

Vefa Anatolian High School provides training-education on an area in the district of Eminönü, quarter Şehzadebaşı, consisting of 4481 square metres.