ABSTRACT
During the era of the Ottoman Empire, which lasted approximately six centuries, from 1299 to 1923, the historical record notes some shifts pertaining to the care and treatment of disabled individuals over the years, but the historical record also notes deep-rooted religious, social, and cultural beliefs pertaining to disability that remained through the centuries. Scholars of history will note that the Ottoman Empire controlled vast areas of land throughout the Middle East, parts of Africa, Southeastern Europe and beyond. Over the centuries the Ottoman Empire ruled over thousands of people representing different cultures and ethnic groups and different religions including Muslims, Jews and Christians. Considering the vastness of the rich history of the Ottoman Empire, examining disability from all parts of the realm is beyond the scope of this chapter; hence, it will deal with disability as portrayed in Anatolia, which encompasses much of modern-day Turkey.
