19th century
Sabancı University, Sakıp Sabancı Museum
Istanbul, Turkey
Although unexpected, a close connection exists between the first modern Turkish painters and the military academies in Istanbul. In addition to technical subjects art was taught to enable students to draw strategic maps. Some used their skills to realise their artistic potential.
The Artist Girl and Her Studio
19th century
Sabancı University, Sakıp Sabancı Museum
Istanbul, Turkey
The artist Halil Pasha studied at the Mühendishane-i Berr-i Hümayun (Engineering School for Armed Forces). This Ottoman military school, opened in 1795, offered a curriculum including mathematics, French and even art. For some students, such as Halil Pasha, the school offered an opportunity to develop their artistic skills beyond their practical requirements.
19th century
Sabancı University, Sakıp Sabancı Museum
Istanbul, Turkey
The artist Halil Pasha attended one of the modern military academies first founded in Ottoman Turkey towards the end of the 18th century. Military academies, the first based in Istanbul, provided advanced education aimed at future officers and senior army personnel.
19th century
“A`lam fi Zakirat Lubnan”
Ba`abda, Lebanon
Butrus al-Bustani was one of the leading personalities in the debate about Arab identity in the 19th century. He developed the idea of education as a way to overcome the divisions that existed in Lebanon. In 1863, he established the National School, which offered education to everyone regardless of religious creed.
Maktab al-`Anbar School, Damascus
1890
Museum of Islamic Art at the Pergamon Museum, State Museums
Berlin, Germany
In the wake of major reforms introduced in 1869, the Ottoman reorganisation of public education resulted in a unified network of state schools established throughout the Ottoman provinces. The curriculum they provided aimed at providing the necessary education to work in the Ottoman civil service.
Al-Maktab al-I‘dadiyya al-‘Askariyya, Damascus
1890
Museum of Islamic Art at the Pergamon Museum, State Museums
Berlin, Germany
19th century, military schools (preparatory and advanced) were built in many important cities of the Ottoman provinces, becoming part of the urban social fabric of cities from Syria to Yemen. Gradually, a common, pan-Ottoman school system was established throughout the kaleidoscopic societies of the empire.
The Majlis of Ibrahim ibn Muhammad al-Midfa'
Hegira late 13th – early 14th century / AD late 19th – early 20th century
Sharjah City, United Arab Emirates (Sharjah)
Throughout the Arab and Ottoman world, governments and influential patrons saw the support of education as among their most important duties. Ibrahim ibn Muhammad al-Midfa’, one of the foremost citizens and intellectuals in Sharjah at the time, was actively involved in promoting high-quality education for local children.