Bezmiâlem Valide Sultan School: Darülmaârif

Abdülmecid, the reformist Sultan of the Tanzimat period, continuing reforms initiated by his father, Mahmud II, went further in terms of rights and liberties. Bezm-i Âlem Valide Sultan, Sultan Abdülmecid's mother, also took on the responsibility by propping up her son in such matters as reforms and administration. She made sure that new foundations were established in every field from health to education, with contributions to charities, orphans and the poor. Valide Sultan, a reformist, had a school called Darülmaârif built in Divanyolu. It was also called ‘Valide Sultan School’. It was officially opened in 1850. Sultan Abdulmecid participated in the inauguration and brought his son and daughter with him. He wanted them to be educated at the school. The curriculum emphasized courses such as science and mathematics and it was designed to be better than other rushdiyahs (junior high schools). Despite the fact that it was a rushdiyah, Darülmaârif is accepted as a pioneer of the high schools which would open later.