Educational Reforms During the Reign of Mahmud II in Turkey

Abstract

Mahmud II came to the throne in 1808 after very difficult processes. Afterwards, he carried out many reforms within the State. Mahmud II implemented many reforms, especially in the western style, and followed the developments in the West closely. One of the most striking features of this period is the opening of western-style and secular education institutions in contrast to the traditional education that has existed in the state for hundreds of years. The aim of these educational institutions is both to save the State from collapse and to modernize the society. Especially in this period, it is possible to see that the Ottoman state elite followed and implemented all kinds of developments in the west. These developments emerged especially in the field of education.