In this talk we it has been mentioned what Turkish/Ottoman scholars achieved and significantly what modern life, scientific and technological developments owed to Turkish/Ottoman scientist of the past. After the eight century and inward, Turkish and Islamic science started and continued throughout medieval centuries. But most of the people has no knowledge about the Scientific and technological contributions of Turkish scholars. Even in this modern age of enlightenment few people are aware of the significant contributions to the progress of humanity. In 1331, the Ottomans established first madrasa in Iznik, and after about two hundred years, in 1557, they opened the Suleymaniye Complex which is the largest scientific complex built ever. During the 600 years they established so many scientific institutions such as observatories, libraries, madraras, hospitals, and contributed with new scientific and technological innovations to the world. 'Modern history', wrote Lord Acton, 'begins under stress of the Ottoman conquest.' In this paper we will try to expand and explore Lord Acton’s Judgement.
Dr Salim Ayduz, FSTC / University of Manchester Biography:
Dr. Salim Ayduz was born in Canakkale , Turkey . In 1986 he attended Istanbul University History Department. In graduate work at same university, at History of Science Department he specialized in the history of the Ottoman Science and Technology. He then taught for four years at Fatih University , Istanbul . He concentrated all his scholarly attention to the History of Science of the Ottoman period. He prepared MA and Ph.D. dissertation on "The Office of Chief Astronomership in the Ottoman Empire " and "Ottoman Imperial Arsenal (Tophane-i Amire)" respectively. Both theses depended on primary sources, especially on Ottoman Archival documents. His Ph.D. Thesis in press in Turkish Historical Society in Ankara. Dr. Ayduz, published many scholarly articles in his field and also attended many national and international symposiums with original papers.Dr. Ayduz, has been working as a senior researcher in Foundation for science, technology and civilisation (FSTC) in Manchester since 2002, and as a visitor scholar at the Manchester University since 2003. He recently contributed to the “1001 inventions: Discover the Muslim Heritage in our world” book under the editorialship of Prof. Hassani with eminent scholars. He also helped to preparation of the touring exhibition entitled “1001 inventions”. He is a member of the FSTC and Turkish History of Science Society.