Journal of Research on History of Medicine

Journal of Research on History of Medicine

Diplomatic Relations and Healthcare Services: A Historical Document on Iran–Ottoman Interactions in the Late Nineteenth Century

Document Type : Conference Paper

Authors
Maryam Sadat Bodala 1
Hamed Ahansazan 2
Narges Tajik 3
1 Department of History of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Religion, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
2 Department of History of Medicine School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of History of Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.30476/rhm.2025.109068.1385
Abstract
The relationship between Iran and the Ottoman Empire has involved both peaceful and conflictual interactions throughout history. Meanwhile, ongoing social, cultural, and scientific exchanges facilitated the migration of intellectuals, particularly physicians and pharmacists, from Iran to Ottoman territories. During the late Ottoman era, Istanbul emerged as a multiethnic and international city, housing a significant Iranian population that required specialized medical and healthcare services. This article examines a historical document related to the activities of the Iranian Embassy physician in Istanbul, emphasizing both the diplomatic and healthcare aspects of these interactions. The findings reveal that ensuring the health of Iranian migrants was not just a humanitarian issue but also a critical element in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two states.
Keywords
Iran
Ottoman Empire
delivery of health care
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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 103-108