Science and Technology in the Ottoman Empire

The Muslims are of course known for their early inventions such as the Astrolabe, Algebra, and of course the number system that we use today. During the Ottoman Empire, we begin to see the influence of European Science work its way to the Arab world.

During the reign of Mehmed II, the Ottoman Empire began to see their first major growth in the fields of science. After the fall of Constantinople, Mehmed II created several institutions dedicated to education. He was fascinated with European culture and the sciences that they were working on. Most of the work done during the 16th Century was converting works such as the geography book of Ptolemy to Arabic. This will give the Ottomans the first world map in the Arabic language. He also had various works transcribed to Persian. Mehmed II promoted debates and advancements in scholar’s specific fields. One of the most debated topics was that of Metaphysics.

The Ottoman Empire also saw a large growth in Math under Süleymân the Magnificent. Several books were written on the topics of Astronomy, Accounting, Algebra, and Geometry. These writings became critical to the Arabic Educational system.

The Ottomans also created early applications using gunpowder that are currently used in Militaries all over the world. Europeans were first noted using matchlock rifles in 1475, however, the Ottoman Jannisaries were noted using them as early as the 1420's. The Turkish Bombard under Mehmed II used cannons at the capturing of Constantinople in 1453.

Ottomans also began to test theories of flight as early as 875. Abbas Ibn Firnas created a hang glider, but had problems with landings. Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi was able to create a working design for artificial wings and is credited with the first flight with artificial wings between 1630 and 1632. During the birth celebration of Murad IV's daughter in 1633 Lagari Hassan Celebi became the first rocket propelled flight. He used a seven wing design with a large conical cage filled with gun powder. The landing was successful with the use of the wing system and parachutes.

Because of the early applications of Ottoman Discoveries, we have developed our current math systems, transportation, and military technology.