Despite being the first department of its kind in Türkiye, the Department of Turkish Language and Literature at Istanbul University Faculty of Letters has yet to receive a comprehensive historical study. This lack of detailed documentation represents a significant gap for a department whose origins date back to 1870 and which has undergone substantial development over time. This article seeks to address this deficiency by providing a historical account of the Department of Turkish Language and Literature, tracing its evolution from its inception to the present, with particular emphasis on its early periods. The study focuses on the foundational courses that formed the department’s core, the changes they underwent over time, the nomenclature of the department, and its pioneering figures. To achieve this, the research draws on a range of primary and secondary sources, including studies, theses, and articles related to Istanbul University and higher education in Türkiye. Additionally, student guides and teaching manuals serve as key resources, offering insights into various aspects of the department’s history and development.