In the Last Period of the Ottoman Empire and the States Approach This Issue Some Examples of Related Work to the Orphans of Minorities

Orphanages play an important role in protection of orphans and providing them with an occupation, thereby preparing them for lives. During Ottoman Empire, some attempts were made to improve the conditions (life qualities) of orphans through foundations. In addition, minorities had also obtained the state's support regarding this and had secured them by opening various institutions for their orphans. This study focuses on the work of the state and especially the minorities on the orphans left behind by the wars in the last period of defeated Ottoman State. It is clear that the foreign bodies easily took advantage of Ottoman Empire’s week position and publicly worked against the interest of the Ottomans without any resistance. In this study, by giving examples, we try to find out the actions of minorities, foreign states and missionaries regarding orphans in the Ottoman territories. In this context, we also try to find out how the orphanages were opened or tried to be open with serious efforts; how these were organized: how the order was established in, and how the children were educated in these orphanages by giving examples