Evolution of Surgery in the Ottoman Empire: From Islamic Heritage to Modern Practice

Document Type : Conference Paper

Authors

1 Department of History of Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Scientific Student Association of History of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary, Student Scientific Researcher Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Surgery, as a fundamental branch of medicine, has evolved over centuries across different civilizations. In the Islamic world, pioneers such as Zahrawi, Avicenna, and other scholars advanced surgical practice both theoretically and practically. With the establishment of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century, this heritage was transferred to Anatolia and Istanbul, adapting to unique socio-political, military, and cultural circumstances. Early Ottoman surgery relied on Islamic texts and Persian translations, with notable figures including Sherefeddin Sabuncuoğlu (1385–1468), Surgeon Ibrahim (active around 1505), and Ali Mensi (d. 1733) contributing to both practical techniques and theoretical knowledge. Iranian physicians such as Hakim Mohammad Sabzevari and Ghyath al-Din Sabzevari also played key roles in transmitting surgical knowledge. By the 19th century, the Tanzimat reforms and the establishment of Istanbul Medical School Integrated European methods, marking the emergence of modern surgery in the Ottoman Empire.

Keywords

References

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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 57-60

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