Abdülhamid II (1876–1909) was a period during which radical transformations took place in the Ottoman educational system. The reforms implemented during this period were shaped both as part of modernization efforts and to strengthen central authority. Education policies were formed by synthesizing Islamic values with models adopted from the West; thus, the goal was to raise individuals equipped with both technical knowledge and moral values.

Restructuring of the Education System

During the reign of Abdülhamid II, the education system was given a centralized structure. Within the Ministry of Education (Maarif Nezareti), general directorates and inspectorates were established for each level of education; education directorates were founded in provincial centers. In this way, educational activities were brought under the supervision of the central authority, and a standard educational policy was implemented nationwide.

Expansion of Schooling and Educational Institutions

During this period, a significant increase in schooling rates was observed. In addition to primary-level sibyan mektebs (traditional primary schools), schools at the level of rüştiye (junior high school), idadi (high school), and sultani (higher high school) were opened.

During the reign of Abdülhamid II, it is observed that the number of rüştiye (junior high schools) increased from 250 to 600, idadi (high schools) from 5 to 104, and the number of iptidai (primary schools) was around 5000.

1876

• Eski Ali Pasha Primary School
• Laleli Primary School
• Rüstem Pasha Primary School

1877-1878

• Mahmudiye Primary School
• Beylerbeyi Primary School
• İstinye Primary School
• Yeniköy Primary School
• Fatih Primary School
• Süleymaniye Primary School
• Vezneciler Primary School

1880

• Fevziye Primary School
• Kanlıca Primary School
• Çengelköy Primary School
• İbrahim Ağa Çayırı Primary School
• Şehzade Primary School

1881

• Beşiktaş Primary School
• Küçük Langa Primary School
• Koca Mustafa Pasha Primary School
• Hafız Pasha Primary School
• Haydarhane Primary School
• Deveoğlu Primary School

1882

• Bayrampaşa Primary School
• Hekimoğlu Ali Pasha Primary School
• Hoca Pasha Primary School
• Peyman Sultan Primary School
• Hekim Şirvani Primary School
• Kalender Primary School
• Pürtelaş Hasan Efendi Primary School
• Mihrimah Sultan Primary School
• Ahmediye Primary School
• Valide Atik
• İskele Başı

1883

• Ragıp Pasha Primary School

1884

• Recai Efendi Primary School
• Sarıyer Primary School
• Yüksekkaldırım Primary School

1885

• Küçükpazar Primary School
• Abdülislam Primary School
• Bayram Fırını Primary School
• Hamidiye Primary School

Furthermore, institutions such as Darülmuallimin (male teachers' school) and Darülmuallimat (female teachers' school) were established to train teachers. These schools played a significant role in spreading the modern understanding of education.

Vocational and Technical Education

Abdülhamid II also attached great importance to vocational and technical education. Institutions such as Mekteb-i Tıbbiye (Medical School), Mekteb-i Hukuk (Law School), Mekteb-i Mülkiye (School of Political Science), Mekteb-i Harbiye (Military School) were restructured or strengthened during this period. Additionally, vocational schools such as the School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Customs School, Hamidiye Commercial School, and Police School were opened. These schools ensured the training of qualified civil servants and expert staff needed by the state.

Foreign Schools of the Period

In the Ottoman Empire, foreign schools can be classified into two categories: schools established by non-Muslims within the empire and missionary schools founded by foreigners. Some missionary schools opened before the reign of Abdülhamid II include St. Pierre, Notre Dame de Sion Girls' High School, Saint Joseph, Robert College, and American Colleges opened in provinces outside Istanbul.

Until 1886, there was no right of inspection over missionary schools; however, in that year, an inspectorate was established within the Ministry of Education. A report presented to Sultan Abdülhamid II in 1893 stated that none of the laws enacted regarding missionary schools were implemented.

Although a ferman (imperial decree) issued in 1895 aimed to make Turkish the language of instruction in secondary missionary schools in Rumelia and Anatolia, it was unsuccessful. During those periods when the Ottoman Empire was losing its power, Orthodox Greeks were protected by Russians; Catholic Armenians by the French and Germans; and Protestant Armenians by the British and Americans.

This protection hindered attempts to make Turkish the language of instruction in these schools. Consequently, the Ministry of Education made the validity of acquired diplomas in Ottoman territories subject to the Ministry's approval. Although an attempt was made to establish a control mechanism over missionary schools, it was not possible.

1876

• St. Joseph de Peres Georgiens School

1878

• Kadıköy Boys' Primary School

1881

• Conventual Minors School
• Sisters of Charity School

1882

• Beyoğlu Saint-Antoine French School
• Hospital Nuns' School named Hopital de la Paix

1883

• Büyükada Saint-Antoine French School
• Kadıköy Notre Dame de Sion French Primary School
• Fenerbahçe Assomption Seminary
• Notre Dame de Lourdes Girls' Primary School
• Dominican Sisters School
• Kumkapı Assomption French College

1886

• Capuchin College and School
• Fenerbahçe Ste. Irene French School

1887

• Sisters of Charity School

1891

• Augustin de l’Assomption School

1894

• Üsküdar Immaculée Conception French College

1895

• Marist Brothers School
• Haydarpaşa Sainte-Euphemie French School

1896

• Oblate de l’Assomption School
• Feriköy St. Jean Chrysostome-Ste.Jeanne d’Arc French College
• N.D. de Lourdes French School
• Bebek Saint-Gabriel French School

1897

• Alberti School
• Ste. Pulcherie de Lazariste School

1898

• Haydarpaşa Saint-Louis Boys' College

Military Education Reforms

Significant reforms were also carried out in the military sphere. Modern military education was popularized by opening military rüştiye (junior high) and idadi (high) schools. Contemporary educational systems and materials of the period were used in these schools. Furthermore, with the opening of military schools in the provinces, educational activities spread throughout the country.

Ideological Orientations in Education

Abdülhamid II's education policies were not limited to merely transferring technical knowledge; they also carried an ideological orientation. By emphasizing Islamic values in the curriculum, the aim was to raise students as individuals equipped morally and religiously. This approach was considered important for the survival of the state and the maintenance of social order.