The late 19th century was a period of significant change within the Ottoman Empire, with cultural and educational developments, as well as economic challenges, marking a time of interaction and intervention with Western powers. This article will explore the establishment of schools by American missionaries, the growth of the Turkish press, the opening of the Suez Canal, and the financial struggles of the Ottoman Empire during this era.
American Missionaries and Education
By 1875, American missionaries had made considerable contributions to education in the Ottoman Empire. They had established a total of 240 schools, which catered to approximately 8000 pupils. The majority of these students were Armenians and other Christians, reflecting the missionary focus on these communities. However, there was also a notable presence of Turkish students within these foreign-run institutions. These schools provided an avenue for cultural exchange and introduced Western educational practices into the empire.
The Rise of the Turkish Press
During the same period, the Turkish press underwent a significant expansion. From a modest beginning with only one official and one semi-official weekly newspaper in 1859, the empire saw the number of publications increase substantially. By 1882, there were three daily newspapers and several weekly publications. This burgeoning press was indicative of a broader cultural awakening and the increasing influence of Western ideas and journalistic practices within the empire.
Economic Intrusion of the West
The cultural and educational advancements were paralleled by a more intrusive economic relationship between the West and the Ottoman Empire. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 was a pivotal event, as it re-established the Ottoman Empire as a crucial juncture on the trade route between Europe and Asia. However, this increased significance came with its own set of challenges.
Ottoman Empire’s Debt Crisis
Concurrently, the Ottoman Empire found itself sinking deeper into debt owed to European governments and private financiers. The first foreign loan was contracted in 1854, and by 1875, the empire’s debts had amassed to a staggering 200 million pounds. The annual payments needed to service this debt—including annuities, interest, and contributions to the sinking fund—amounted to over 12 million pounds. This sum represented more than half of the empire’s total revenue, placing an unsustainable burden on its finances. Inability to keep up with the interest payments eventually led to defaults, prompting European creditors to impose the Ottoman Public Debt Administration in 1881, further compromising the empire’s financial autonomy.
Questions for UPSC
– How did the establishment of American missionary schools influence the cultural dynamics between the Ottoman Empire and the West?
– What role did the expansion of the Turkish press play in the transformation of Ottoman society during the late 19th century?
– In what ways did the opening of the Suez Canal and the subsequent debt crisis alter the political and economic sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire?