A Health Service in Ottoman Municipalities: Midwifery

Abstract

Since the ancient times, midwives have played an important role in public health. They have maintained their privileges in Turkish history. However, midwifery continued with primitive methods passed from generation to generation. Although there were studies on this subject in some periods of the Ottoman Empire, they were not subjected to any training until the 19th century. The modernization of the state in this century brought about some changes in midwifery. Midwifery courses and schools were opened to prevent uncertified midwives. Again in this period, midwives started to be employed in the municipalities organized in the Ottoman geography. The aim of this was to reduce the number of deaths during childbirth and to ensure that this work is carried out by competent, trained people. However, the small number of certified midwives, as well as the impossibility to cover salaries due to economic conditions, prevented the desired level of success. Events such as the Balkan and First World War were also important factors in this situation. In any case, it is obvious that these studies provide an experience for the steps to be taken in midwifery. The aim of this study is to reveal the midwifery education in the Ottoman Empire, the employment of midwives in municipalities and the problems experienced. © 2024, Selim Hilmi Ozkan. All rights reserved.