Forty-Eight Years in Ottoman Service: General Inspector of Quarantines Dr Bartoletti Efendi and His Activities [1840-1888]

Abstract

Foreign specialists were employed in the Ottoman Empire's health services, particularly during the 18th century onwards. The Ottomans required international cooperation to implement reforms to combat epidemics during the global epidemics of the 19th century. As a result, many foreign physicians joined the Ottoman medicine service. Therefore, numerous foreign physicians began serving with the central health organization in Istanbul and the quarantine units established in the provinces. Some physicians made significant contributions to the Ottoman sanitary administration through their positions, time in Ottoman service, and activities. Dr Bartoletti, who was born in Istanbul in 1808, was one of these specialists. After medical education in Italy, he started his Ottoman service as a quarantine doctor and became a member of the Sanitary Council. He also represented the Ottoman Empire at the international medical conferences held in Paris, Istanbul and Vienna and performed important duties in Ottoman sanitary affairs during his forty-four years of service. By examining Dr Bartoletti's activities between 1840 and 1888, this study aims to contribute to the existing literature on this field.