The effects of occupational schools on modernization in the period of II. Abdulhamid

Education is an indispensable element forthe development of individuals and societies. Characterization of societies and adaptation to developments in the World are realized through education. The Ottoman Empire had a rich education system since its foundation. In order to adapt to the change in the economic balances experienced in the 18th century with the technical and scientific progress in Europe, the Ottoman Empire wanted to achieve structural modernization by using education as a tool. Many educational institutions have been opened to modernize the Western style. The civilian vocational and technical education institutions, which are one of these educational institutions, have taken important duties for the transfer of technological progress in Europe to the Ottoman Empire. During the reign of II. Abdülhamid, vocational and technical education institutions which have been extensively evaluated through out the country made positive contributions to the modernization of the Ottoman Empire in the economic and social fields. In this study, it will be discussed how the Ottoman Empire tried to prevent its backwardness against the states that realized the industrial revolution and the studies on education in order to adapt to the scientific and technological developments which are the cause of the progress of these countries will be examined. The effects of vocational and technical schools, which were opened forthe purpose of modernization in the period of Abdülhamid II, to the modernization and economic development of the Ottoman Empire will be evaluated.