Ottoman modernization and problems discussed

Üsküdar Üniversitesi Career Center Department organized an event titled “Future Talks: Ottoman Modernization and Problems.” Prof. Dr. Hakan Erdem, known for his work on Ottoman history and modernization, participated in the event. Erdem discussed the concept of modernization and drew attention to cultural concepts.

The event, held at Üsküdar Üniversitesi South Campus E Block Socrates Hall, was moderated by Semra Gül, Assistant Manager of Sector Collaborations at the Career Center Department. Faculty academics also attended the highly popular event.

The concept of modernization was discussed

Prof. Dr. Hakan Erdem, who evaluated Ottoman modernization not only as limited to political reforms but also with its conceptual background, said: “Modernization is an effort by historians to periodize. It includes classifications such as pre-modern and post-modern.” 

Erdem stated that modernity can also be evaluated with certain criteria: “Are taxes collected in cash? Is education and military service compulsory? Is the economy running on cash? With such questions, you can understand whether a society is modern.”

Analysis conducted through Ottoman documents

Evaluating the fundamental documents in the Ottoman modernization process, Erdem emphasized that texts such as Nizam-ı Cedid, Sened-i İttifak, Kanun-i Esasi, and Gülhane Hatt-ı Hümayunu are often known superficially, whereas each of these documents points to social and administrative transformations.

Attention drawn to cultural concepts as well

Erdem stated that the concepts of Westernization and Garplılaşma primarily carry a cultural dimension, while modernization is a multidimensional transformation encompassing education, the military, the economy, and governance.

After the Q&A session, a certificate of appreciation was presented, and the event concluded with a group photo.