History of the Ottoman Public Education and Paradigm Shifts

Abstract

Classical medrese education continued for centuries without much change and served its purpose: graduating new members for the prestigious ulama and the judiciary. Following the Industrial Revolution and major developments in the 18th century, the Ottoman Empire had to focus on formal military education by opening up new institutions. However, Sultan Mahmud's bureaucratic reforms and the establishment of new governmental institutions required different types of civil servants who could read, understand and more importantly implement the new regulations. This presentation will expound on the changes that occurred throughout the 600-year history of the Ottoman Empire from its beginning to its end. Special reference will be given to the concept of education from the first centuries of Islam.