456 TURKEY.
being the Koran, and some commentaries upon it. In the ' mo- dresses,' which are the colleges or schools of the ulemas, the pupils are instructed in Arabic and Persian, and learn to decipher and write the different sorts of Turkish characters. The instruction comprises philosophy, logic, rhetoric, and morals founded on the Koran ; and these, with theology, Turkish law, and a few lessons on history and geography, complete the course of study. Among recent improvements in public instruction are the foundation of a new university in 1845 ; and the subsequent organisation of a plan of primary and secondary instruction. In 1850, Constantinople Lad S97 primary schools, which were attended by 22,700 pupils; and schools of the same description have been established in most other great towns.
A new law of public instruction, designed to spread education over the empire, was issued by the government in October 1S(19. By its provisions there are to be five classes of public schools, namely, primary, superior primary, preparatory schools, lyceums, and special schools. Each quarter in a city and each village must maintain a primary school, or if the population be mixed, a school for Mahomedans, and another for non- Mussulmans. Children are to receive instruction in the religious book of their persuasion, attendance being compulsory during four years, from the age of six to ten for girls, and of eleven for boys, save in certain instances, specified in Article 13 of the law. A superior primary school, or two if necessitated by religious differences, is to be instituted, at the charge of the vilayet, in every town of 500 houses. The course in these will likewise extend over four years, and will include Turkish, Persian, and Arabic grammar, arithmetic, book-keeping, geography, history, geometry, and one local language. Preparatory schools are to be open to Mahomedans and others alike. The course of three years will include French, political economy, and natural history. Those Ottoman subjects who have passed an examination in pre- paratory schools will be admitted for three years as boarders to the Lyceum in each chief town of a vilayet. The highest class of educational establishments includes a normal school, the upper schools of arts and sciences, and the University of Constantinople. The normal school, destined to supply teachers, who must all be Ottoman subjects, Avill receive 100 students at a time, with certificates from the lower establishments. A corresponding institution will provide female instructors. The University is to contain three faculties — for letters, law, and physical science. There will }><■ instituted at the capital a Council of Education, and an Academic Council in each chief city of a vilayet. The new law likewise contains provisions for the control of private educational establish* ments throughout the Ottoman Empire.
