Diplomatic Relations and Healthcare Services: A Historical Document on Iran–Ottoman Interactions in the Late Nineteenth Century

Document Type : Conference Paper

Authors

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

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 This article examines a historical document related to the activities of the Iranian Embassy physician in Istanbul, emphasizing both the diplomatic and healthcare aspects of these interactions.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

References

  1. Khabiry, M., Ahansazan, R., and Ahansazan, H., 2018. Iranian Physicians In The Ottoman Empire (From The 9th To 12th Century Ah). JRHM, 7, pp. 91–102.
  2. Moeini Rodbali, R., and Keshavarz Bayzaei, M., 2020. Relations Of Iran And Ottoman In Mohammad Ali Shah Qajar Period (1324-1327). Isihistoryj, 1, p. 89.
  3. Mohammadi, Z., Shojaeinia, F., and Zarghamian Azad, B., 2024. Backgrounds and Effects of Safavid Physicians’migration to the Ottoman Empire. Tārīkh-Ipizishkīi. E., Medicalhistory, 16, pp. 1–14.
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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

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