Students at Robert College come from many different countries. They represent places across Asia Minor, European Turkey, Greece, and the Balkan States. The largest group of students comes from Constantinople and its surrounding areas. After that, most students come from Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania, but nearly every nationality is represented at the college Leadership and Trustees in New York .
In 1902, the number of students by nationality included:
Greeks – 127 students, Armenians – 108 students, Bulgarians – 51 students
Other students came from Turkey, Jewish communities (Israelites), Romanians, Austrians, French, Russians, English, Americans, Assyrians, Georgians, Persians, and Levantines.
Parents of these students belong to almost every religion found in Constantinople. They are willing to put aside religious concerns to give their children the educational opportunities that Robert College offers.
Challenges for Muslim Students
The Turkish government’s policies make it very hard—sometimes even impossible—for Muslim (Moslem) students to attend the college. Because of this, no student is openly Muslim. In fact, it might be dangerous or even deadly for a student to say he is a follower of Islam while enrolled at the college.
There are suspicions that some Muslim students register under different religious identities to attend. When young men from far parts of Turkey arrive to study, they are sometimes arrested or imprisoned as soon as they enter the city.
According to Dr. Washburn, the college president, the minister of police usually acts reasonably. If the students prove they have come for honest educational purposes, the police often release them into the care of the college treasurer, who is then held responsible for their conduct.
A Student’s Ordeal in 1901
In 1901, one student was detained for two months on charges of bringing in dangerous printed material. The police claimed he had seditious literature, but all they found in his luggage were two pieces of music, which could be bought at any regular music store in Constantinople. Still, the authorities pressed charges, and his father had to pay a large sum of money to secure his release.
Successful Graduates and Their Influence
Graduates of Robert College hold important positions throughout the Eastern world. Many serve in government roles in Bulgaria, Romania, and other nearby countries.
At one point, four alumni of Robert College were ministers in the Bulgarian government. Among them was the late Mr. Stoiloff, who was known as the most capable statesman in Bulgaria after the death of Stambouloff. He served as Prime Minister from 1894 to 1901 Private Sofia Tour.
A School That Shapes Leaders
Despite political challenges, Robert College continues to educate young leaders from many nations. Its graduates are respected across the region for their intelligence, leadership, and education, proving the lasting impact of this unique institution.
