Our department has adopted an innovative approach to teaching and learning by moving the course on Ottoman Urban History beyond the traditional classroom setting. The course, conducted by Asisst. Prof. Dr. Kübra Dursun, a faculty member of the department, is held each week in a different historical structure within the city. In this context, this week’s session took place at Mümine Hatun Mosque, also known as Aktekke Mosque, located in the center of Karaman. Throughout the semester, it is planned that the course will continue to be conducted in other significant historical sites across Karaman.

With the support of the university rectorate, students are transported to the relevant historical sites during class hours, and the sessions are carried out through weekly student presentations under the guidance of the course instructor. This method not only ensures students’ active participation in the processes of academic knowledge production but also contributes to the development of their presentation and communication skills. Through this on-site learning model, students gain the opportunity to observe and analyze their theoretical knowledge directly within historical settings, thereby rendering the course more enduring and practice-oriented. While this approach enhances the academic quality of the department, it also makes a significant contribution to students’ professional competencies.

Moreover, conducting the classes in historical settings allows local residents of Karaman who are present at these sites to participate in the sessions. In this way, historical awareness is shared with the broader public, and a strong environment of interaction and integration between the university and the city is fostered. This practice stands out as a concrete example of university–community collaboration while also pioneering new approaches in history education based on on-site and experiential learning.