It is impossible to talk about Cambridge without mentioning Harvard University.

Harvard is not just a school; it can be said to be the 'very presence' that symbolizes Cambridge.

Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, established in 1636. Nearly 400 years ago, Puritan immigrants founded the first school in the Massachusetts Bay Colony with the intention of "building faith and scholarship together." Initially called 'New College,' it was soon renamed after its first benefactor, John Harvard. At that time, it was a religious school for training ministers, but over time it expanded into all fields, including philosophy, law, science, and political science.

The Harvard campus is located in the heart of Cambridge, at Harvard Square. It is just a 10-minute ride on the Red Line subway from downtown Boston. However, once you get off the train, the atmosphere changes completely. Red brick buildings, antique wooden doors, wide lawns, and well-kept walkways—like a scene from a movie, a classic campus unfolds before your eyes.

The center of Harvard is Harvard Yard. This is the 'heart' of the university and the space where freshmen are first welcomed. During the day, students can be seen sitting on benches reading books or discussing, and at night, it is common to see them playing guitar and singing. At the entrance stands the 'John Harvard Statue,' which is also famous for being the "statue of three lies."

Although the inscription reads "John Harvard, Founder, 1638," he was not actually the founder of the school, the founding year is different, and the statue's face is not even his real likeness. Nevertheless, this statue has become a symbol of Harvard and a must-visit spot for tourists from around the world.

Harvard currently has about 20,000 students enrolled, with 12 colleges including undergraduate, graduate, business school, law school, medical school, and education school. Among them, Harvard Business School is considered the most prestigious business school in the world, located in the Allston area across the Boston River.

Additionally, Harvard Law School, Kennedy School, and Medical School are renowned institutions that produce leaders in their respective fields. Several U.S. presidents, including John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush, are Harvard alumni.

Harvard's educational approach is traditional yet liberal. Students can design their own courses and learn across various fields. Thanks to this academic autonomy, Harvard has become a symbol of education that values creative thinking. The faculty is also of the highest caliber, with Nobel laureates, Fields medalists, and former prime ministers or policy experts from various countries teaching or conducting research here.

However, Harvard is not just a temple of learning. It is also a space where culture, art, and philosophy thrive. The Harvard Art Museums boast an extensive collection from the Renaissance to contemporary art, and the bookstores and cafes in Harvard Square are always bustling with people engaging in intellectual conversations. In particular, the 'Harvard Book Store' is an independent bookstore where professors, students, and citizens gather to hold discussions.

The atmosphere of Harvard deeply permeates the entire city. Cambridge residents view Harvard not just as a school but as the central culture and identity of the city. Near the campus, research institutes, startups, and coffee shops coexist, with students and researchers actively coming and going all day long. As a result, Cambridge has developed into a city flowing with knowledge and creativity, with Harvard as its central axis.

A short walk from Harvard leads to the Charles River. Students jog or bike along the riverbank, and in the fall, they enjoy leisurely walks under the vibrant autumn leaves. With a tradition that has continued for centuries and young intellects opening a new era, Harvard continues to thrive at the center of it all.