Journal of Research on History of Medicine

Journal of Research on History of Medicine

Treatment of Mental Health Disorders in the Safavid and Ottoman Empires: A Comparative Socio-historical Analysis

Document Type : Conference Paper

Authors
Hamed Ahansazan 1, 2
Niusha Esmaealzadeh 3
Mohammad Hossein Ayati 1
Arman Zargaran 1
1 Department of History of Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Iranian Society for the History of Pharmacy, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.30476/rhm.2025.51244
Abstract
This comparative-historical analysis explores how mental disorders were treated in the Safavid and Ottoman empires. Both empires shared a common foundation based on humoral medicine and a holistic understanding of the mind-body connection. Treatments encompassed physical methods, such as diets, herbal remedies, and cupping, as well as spiritual therapies, including Quranic recitation, prayer, and pilgrimage. However, there were notable differences in the role of the state and the institutionalization of mental health care. The Ottoman state, particularly in the 16th century, developed a more institutionalized and centralized system by establishing charitable institutions known as Dartışşifa (house of healing). This trend culminated in the 19th century with the modernization of Ottoman medicine. In contrast, the Safavid Empire did not have a comparable institutionalized and centralized network, and the responsibility for treatment largely rested on the community, family, and local healers. This decentralized, community-based approach remained in place throughout the Safavid era and did not evolve into a centralized, state-run psychiatric system.
Keywords
History of Medicine
Mental Health
Ottoman
Safavid
Journal of Research on History of Medicine
Volume 14, Suppl. 1
The 2nd History of Medicine Meeting: Entangled Histories: Contribution of Iran and Türkiye to the Development of Medical Sciences; 2025 Oct 7-10; Shiraz, Iran
October 2025
Pages 3-6