@article{article_1697223, title={AN INSTITUTIONAL PORTRAIT OF AN OTTOMAN IDADÎ: THE ESTABLISHMENT, STRUCTURE, AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DAMASCUS CIVIL IDADÎ SCHOOL}, journal={Dicle Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi}, pages={333–359}, year={2025}, DOI={10.15182/diclesosbed.1697223}, author={Ertekin, Abdusselam}, keywords={Ottoman Empire, Abdulhamid II, Education, Damascus Idadî School}, abstract={Beginning in the second half of the 19th century, the Ottoman Empire embarked on far-reaching reforms in the field of education as part of its broader modernization efforts. Within this context, idadî schools emerged as critical institutions in the provinces, serving both the dissemination of modern knowledge and the reinforcement of central state authority. This study investigates the Damascus Mekteb-i İdâdî-i Mülkiye as a representative case of the institutional presence of such schools in the provincial landscape. Drawing upon archival documents, provincial yearbooks (salnâmes), and contemporary newspapers, the research explores multiple dimensions of the school, including its foundation process, administrative structure, curriculum, teaching staff, student body, and the career paths of its graduates. By analyzing the implementation of educational policies in a provincial setting, this study seeks to highlight the ideological, administrative, and financial functions of Ottoman educational institutions within the broader framework of center-periphery dynamics during the lake Ottoman period.}, number={40}, publisher={Dicle University}