Abstract:

In the late Ottoman period, the number of orphans, forlorns and vulnerable children seriously increased owing to the wars and immigration to Anatolia from losted other territories. Because of these problems, the rates of children abandoned, begged or involved in crime increased, too. In this case, it was insufficient practised assistances ongoing for many years. These assistances were made by some individual or institutional organizations like foundations. In this reason, the various institutions such as Islahhaneler (Juvenil Reformatories), Daru’l-Hayri Âlî (Exalted Auspicious Home), Daru’l-Eytamlar (Orphans’ Home), Darulaceze (Almshouse), Himaye-i Etfal Cemiyeti (Caring for the Children Community) were established and conducted activities to care and educate these children as a good person. These institutions operated not only in Istanbul but also in various provinces of Anatolia. Kastamonu was among the most important of these provinces. Kastamonu which was always a center of knowledge and wisdom in Ottoman had been a center that guides care and educate vulnerable and orphans children too. In this study, activities related to caring and educating of orphans and vulnerable children in Kastamonu were evaluated in terms of the goals of mentioned institutions, their functions, and their contributions to the society. The prominent features of the institutions mentioned in the case of Kastamonu are these. 1.     Despite the current war conditions and economic difficulties, the Ottoman mobilized all facilities for these children through these institutions. 2.     In these institutions children’s rights were respected. 3.     These institutions emphasized vocational education for children's adaptation to social life and preparation. The inspections were continued related to the benefits for orphans, the implementation of institutions’ internal rules, and the current situation of remaining children.    

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