Sharing History

In both Europe and the Arab and Ottoman world, the poor historically had no access to education, and the few schools that taught basic reading and writing had limited facilities and materials. In the 19th century, in order to provide education to as many as possible, under the best conditions, and to highlight this objective symbolically through visible architecture, Europeans built many imposing schools, universities and libraries. These buildings were fitted out with the equipment and learning materials required by pupils and teachers. Refectories and dormitories enabled students from far away to attend.

By the second half of the 19th century, European-style educational theories were increasingly implemented across the Arab and Ottoman world, many initiated by reforming rulers or European church missions. In regions under French or British control the colonial authorities took over from the existing authorities the construction and overhaul of education infrastructure.