The Schools of the Ottoman Empire

In the Ottoman Empire, the educational system based on madrasah (school) network, which was supported by the sultans of this dynasty achieved great success and progress. In the Ottoman Empire, the establishment of madrasahs was a complementary strategy to the policy of conquest and of the acquisition of new lands and territories. Through the establishment of Madares-e Thamaniyeh and Madares-e Suleymaniyeh by Mehmed the Conqueror (1451-1481) and Suleyman Kanuni, or the Magnificent, (1520-1566), the Ottoman madrasahs reached their zenith of growth and prosperity. Since early 17th century, however, these madrasahs began to fall into oblivion because of the weakness afflicting the central government in Istanbul and disarray befalling the social and economic fabric of the Empire.This paper, through its research-oriented approach, studies topics such as: the historical record of the Ottoman educational system, the curriculum of the programs and courses of study, the methods of teaching and instruction at the Ottoman schools, the educational policies and goals of the Ottoman Administration, and also reasons for the schools’ prosperity and decline. While talking about the elements that provided fertile grounds for the establishment of such schools, the author of the article provides valuable information that sheds light on the prominent role that Iranian educational institutions and scientists played in the establishment and flourish of the Ottoman schools compared with other Muslim states and nations.