An event titled "Future Talks: Ottoman Modernization and Its Challenges" was organized by the Career Center Department of Üsküdar University. The event featured Prof. Hakan Erdem, a renowned scholar known for his work on Ottoman history and modernization. Prof. Erdem discussed the concept of modernization and highlighted cultural concepts.
The event was held at the Socrates Hall, South Campus E Block of Üsküdar University, and was moderated by Semra Gül, Deputy Manager of Sector Collaborations at the Career Center Department. The event attracted significant interest, with the participation of faculty academics.
The concept of modernization was discussed
Prof. Hakan Erdem approached Ottoman modernization not only as a series of political reforms but also from a conceptual perspective. "Modernization is an attempt by historians to periodize history. It involves classifications such as pre-modern and modern eras," said Prof. Erdem.
He emphasized that modernity can also be evaluated using certain criteria:
"Are taxes collected in cash? Is education and military service mandatory? Is the economy cash-based? By asking these questions, you can understand whether a society is modern or not."
Ottoman documents analyzed
Prof. Erdem evaluated the key documents in the Ottoman modernization process, such as Nizam-ı Cedid, Sened-i İttifak, Kanun-i Esasi, and Gülhane Hatt-ı Hümayunu. He emphasized that these texts are often superficially understood, while each of them actually signifies significant social and administrative transformations.
Attention drawn to cultural concepts
Prof. Erdem pointed out that the concepts of Westernization and Occidentalization are primarily cultural, whereas modernization is a multidimensional transformation encompassing education, the military, the economy, and governance.
Following a Q&A session, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Prof. Hakan Erdem, and the event concluded with a group photo session.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)