1. Education in the Ottoman Empire:
– Beyazıt State Library founded in 1884
– Istanbul University, the oldest university in Turkey
– Madrasah education institution originated during the Seljuk period and reached its peak during the Ottoman reign
– Istanbul Technical University founded in 1773, initially training ship builders and cartographers, later expanded to train technical military staff and architects
– Education of Ottoman women in medicine focused on housewifery and social etiquette, with Safiye Ali being the first properly trained female Turkish physician
2. Scientific and Technological Advancements in the Ottoman Empire:
– Astronomy significant in the Ottoman Empire with notable scholars like Ali Quşhji and Taqi al-Din
– Piri Reis known for detailed maps and charts, including the Piri Reis map showing the New World
– Taqi al-Din’s contributions in physics, mechanical technology, mechanical clocks, and steam power
– Development of medical education and institutions in the Ottoman Empire, including the Naval Medical School and the Imperial Medical School of Istanbul
– Introduction of steam engines in Egyptian industrial manufacturing and technological advancements in military technology
3. Military Technology and Power of the Ottomans:
– Ottoman Empire known for military power in the 16th century, introducing firearms like the Harquebus and cannons
– Development of muskets, rifles, and tactical proficiency in small arms weapons
– Description of Turkish arquebuses and muskets, introduction of the Mauser bolt-action rifle, and Ottoman officers purchasing handguns from European craftsmen
– Use of Damascus steel in Ottoman firearms production and Ottoman Empire’s proficiency in medical institutions
– Historical significance of Ottoman weaponry and military power through the weapons industry
4. Industrialization and Economic Development in the Ottoman Empire:
– Economic conditions for rapid industrialization in Egypt during the 1820s-1830s, adoption of oil as an energy source, and installation of steam engines in various industries
– Search for coal deposits in Egypt, reliance on imported coal, and comparison of coal prices with France in the early 19th century
– Superior agriculture, efficient transport network, and the introduction of traditional energy sources in industrial manufacturing
– Lack of coal deposits in Egypt and access to coal sources in Lebanon
– Role of Turkish muskets in military technology and introduction of the rack-and-pinion mechanism
5. Cultural and Medical Contributions in the Ottoman Empire:
– Ottoman music therapy practices, development of hospitals, and medical schools
– First illustrations of female neurosurgeons in the 15th century and quarantine reform by Hamdan Bin El-Merhum Osman
– Evolution of the infirmary during the medieval period and Muslim contributions to sciences documented
– Mimar Sinan’s architectural works repurposed, Taqi al-Din’s contributions to mechanical engineering, and the oldest military band in the world – Mehter
– Revival of medieval infirmaries, artistic and decorative arts encyclopedia, and significance of Ottoman military bands
During its 600-year existence, the Ottoman Empire made significant advances in science and technology, in a wide range of fields including mathematics, astronomy and medicine.
The Islamic Golden Age was traditionally believed to have ended in the thirteenth century, but has been extended to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries by some, who have included continuing scientific activity in the Ottoman Empire in the west and in Persia and Mughal India in the east.
