SEMESTER 4

SUBMITTED TO: Ma’am Fazeelat

SUBMITTED BY: Syeda Rida Zahra

ROLL NO: 2125116091

SECTION: A

MAJOR: English Literature

TOPIC: Contributions of Ottoman Empire / Developments by Ottoman

Empire

DATED: 15-02-2023
INTRODUCTION
The Ottoman Empire was one of the mightiest and longest-lasting dynasties in world history. This
Islamic-run superpower ruled large areas of the Middle East, Eastern Europe and North Africa for more
than 600 years.The mighty empire’s influence is still very much alive in the present-day Turkish
Republic, a modern, mostly secular nation thought of by many scholars as a continuation of the
Ottoman Empire.The superiority of the Muslim civilization in the field of Ottoman science and
technology is clearly evident through the existence of the science institutions in the 16th Century CE.
Through these institutions, Ottoman scholars studied and mastered the sciences and began to contribute
new ideas, improved the works of earlier scholars and gave constructive criticism. The optimal use of
Ottoman science institutions drove the development of the Muslim civilization towards excellence.The
high position and key role of the Ottoman empire is clearly proven through scrutiny of historical
Muslim civilization sources which recorded their achievement and contribution to the world due to the
accomplishments of the institutions which educated Ottomans.

Ottoman Art and Science

The Ottomans were known for their achievements in art, science and medicine. Istanbul and other
major cities throughout the empire were recognized as artistic hubs, especially during the reign of
Suleiman the Magnificent.Some of the most popular forms of art included calligraphy, painting, poetry,
textiles and carpet weaving, ceramics and music.
Architecture
The Ottoman Empire was known for its distinctive architecture, including mosques, palaces, and
public buildings. The empire also produced fine art, such as calligraphy, miniature painting, and
ceramics.Ottoman architecture also helped define the culture of the time. Elaborate mosques and public
buildings were constructed during this period.The Ottoman Empire developed a unique style of
architecture, characterized by the use of domes, arches, and intricate tile work.
Science
Science was regarded as an important field of study. The Ottomans learned and practiced advanced
mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, physics, geography and chemistry.
Literature
The Ottoman Empire was home to many great poets and writers, including the famous poet Rumi.
Ottoman literature includes poetry, prose, and historical works.
Medicine
Some of the greatest advances in medicine were made by the Ottomans. They invented several
surgical instruments that are still used today, such as forceps, catheters, scalpels, pincers and
lancets.Medicine in the Ottoman Empire was practiced in nearly all places of society as physicians
treated patients in homes, markets, and hospitals.One of the original building blocks of early Ottoman
medicine was humoralism, and the concept of illness to be a result of disequilibrium among the four
humors of the body. The four physiological humors each related to one of the four elements: blood and
air, phlegm and water, black bile and earth, yellow bile and fire.The first Ottoman hospital established
was the Faith Complex dârüşşifâ in 1470; it closed in 1824. Unique features of the hospital were the
separation of patients by sex and the use of music to treat the mentally ill. The Bâyezîd Dârüşşifâ was
founded in 1488 and is most recognized for its unique architecture that served as an influence an
influence in the architecture of later European hospitals.Behçet Efendi founded the Imperial Medical
School, Tıbhâne-I Âmire, of Istanbul in 1827 .The Ottoman Empire was also home to many
institutions organized for the purpose of inoculation vaccination research and investigations. In Istanbul,
the İstanbul Rabies and Bacteriological Laboratory was founded in 1877 for research in microbiology
and the testing of rabies inoculation.
The first Ottoman hospital, Dar al-Shifa (literally "house of health"), was built in the Ottoman’s
capital city of Bursa in 1399. This hospital and the ones built after were structured similarly to the ones
of the Seljuk Empire, where even wounded crusaders preferred Muslim doctors as they were very
knowledgeable.
Astronomy
Astronomy was a very important discipline in the Ottoman Empire. Ali Quşhji, one of the most
important astronomers of the state, managed to make the first map of the Moon and wrote the first
book describing the shapes of the Moon. At the same time, a new system was developed for
Mercury. Mustafa ibn Muwaqqit and Muhammad Al-Qunawi, another important astronomer of the
Ottoman Empire, developed the first astronomical calculations measuring minutes and seconds.
Taqi al-Din later built the Constantinople Observatory of Taqi ad-Din in 1577, where he carried out
astronomical observations until 1580.
Taqi al-Din was also the first astronomer to employ a decimal point notation in his observations rather
than the sexagesimal fractions used by his contemporaries and predecessors.
Geography
Ottomans also excelled in Geography made their mark in the field of Earth science.
Ottoman admiral Piri Reis is known today for his maps and charts collected in his Kitab-ı
Bahriye (Book of Navigation), and for the Piri Reis map, one of the oldest maps of America still in
existence.
Physics
An important inventor, Lagâri Hasan Çelebi, managed to fly with his invention of rockets by getting
the approval of his sultan and throwing himself to the Moon.Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi created wings in
1632 as a result of his aerodynamic calculations using his own mathematical and physical knowledge
and skills and left himself down from Galata Tower.
Technical education
Ottomans advanced in technical education. Istanbul Technical University 1773 founded by
Sultan Mustafa III as the Imperial Naval Engineers' School and it was originally dedicated to the
training of ship builders and cartographers. In 1795 the scope of the school was broadened to train
technical military staff to modernize the Ottoman army to match the European standards. In 1845 the
engineering department of the school was further developed with the addition of a program devoted to
the training of architects.The school became a public engineering school which was aimed at training
civil engineers who could create new infrastructure to develop the empire.
Mechanical technology
The Ottoman engineer Taqi al-Din invented a mechanical astronomical clock, capable of striking
an alarm at any time specified by the user.In 1559, Taqi al-Din invented a six-
cylinder 'Monoblock' pump. In 1551, Taqi al-Din described an early example of an impulse steam
turbine and also noted practical applications for a steam turbine.

After ruling for more than 600 years, the Ottoman Turks are often remembered for their
powerful military, ethnic diversity, artistic ventures, religious tolerance and architectural
marvels.
Military
The Ottoman Empire had a powerful military, which was organized around the Janissaries, an elite
infantry unit. The empire also had a navy, which controlled the Mediterranean and Black Seas.The
Ottoman Empire in the 16th century was known for their military power throughout southern Europe
and the Middle East.
Military strategy: The Ottomans were skilled military strategists, and their empire had a powerful
military that controlled a vast territory. Ottoman military innovations, such as the use of artillery and
the Janissary corps, helped to shape the future of warfare.
Artillery
Ottoman artillery included a number of cannons, most of which were designed by Turkish
engineers.The Ottoman Empire military was also tactically proficient in the use of small arms weapons
such as rifles and handguns. Like many other great powers, the Ottomans issued the M1903
Mauser bolt-action rifle to its most elite front-line infantry and cavalry soldiers, also known
as Janissaries.With a five-round box magazine and maximum effective range of 600 meters, the
Ottomans were able to effectively engage enemy soldiers when they were unable to utilize field
artillery cannons.
Governance and Administration:
The Ottomans developed a sophisticated system of governance and administration, which included a
centralized government, provincial governors, and local officials. This system helped to maintain
stability and order in the empire.