Özet:

Abstract Aim: In the XIXth century, the Ottoman Empire was faced with serious population losses due to epidemics and battles. Therefore, the struggle against childhood diseases was studiously conducted as a method for enhancement of the population. The aim of this study was to investigate the struggle against some childhood diseases in the Ottoman Empire in the XIXth century in the example of Karamürsel. Methods: This paper is based on documents which were found in the The Prime Minister's Ottoman Archives during our searches between January and May 2016. Documents which were related with the topic were detected in the folders of Dahiliye Mektubi Kalemi and Yildiz Evraki. This study includes entire documents which are related with the subject. The documents were transcribed from Mr. Salih Kahriman into modern Turkish. Results: According to data from the documents reviewed, important epidemics of diphtheria and measles were seen in Karamürsel in the XIXth century. Clinicians, pharmacists, and medicines were sent to the distinct in order to fight to these diseases and all expenses were met by central management. Cordon sanitaire was implemented to prevent the spread of diseases. More difficult problems that were encountered during the struggle against childhood diseases that caused epidemic were absence of clinicians in Karamürsel and some careless behaviors of local management. The vaccination campaign against smallpox was conducted, although there was no recorded epidemic of smallpox in the distinct in the XIXth century. Discussion: Our study revealed the struggle against childhood diseases during the Ottoman period in the example of Karamürsel. Based on data obtained, it was understood that the health of the children was an important issue for the Ottomans. Vaccine campaign against smallpox applied before emerging of disease, as an important measure against possible epidemic danger, was an indicator of importance given to protective measures.

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