Selimiye Barracks, located in Üsküdar, Istanbul, was originally built in 1800 under Sultan Selim III as part of the Ottoman military reforms. It became historically significant during the Crimean War (1853–1856) when it was converted into a military hospital for British and allied soldiers. The barracks housed thousands of soldiers suffering from injuries and diseases, becoming a key medical center during the war.
In 1854, Florence Nightingale arrived at Selimiye Barracks with a team of nurses to address the horrific conditions in the hospital. Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and rampant disease caused a high death toll among the soldiers. Nightingale implemented strict hygiene practices, improved patient care, and created a systematic approach to nursing, reducing mortality rates dramatically. Her work at Selimiye not only saved lives but also laid the foundation for modern nursing practices.
Nightingale’s tireless efforts earned her the nickname “The Lady with the Lamp” and revolutionized military medicine. Her work at Selimiye Barracks became a turning point in healthcare, particularly in hospital sanitation and patient care.
Today, Selimiye Barracks still serves the Turkish military as a base, but a part of it houses the First Army Florence Nightingale Museum. Located in the tower where she stayed, the museum showcases artifacts from her time there, including medical equipment and documents. It stands as a tribute to her groundbreaking contributions during the Crimean War and highlights her legacy in nursing and healthcare.
First Army Florence Nightingale Museum ensures that her impact on modern medicine, particularly in Istanbul, is remembered, making the barracks a site of both military and medical historical importance.
- Photo courtesy of … (June 2023) and page layout by Efe Erhan Kusmez (October 2024)
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* First Army Florence Nightingale Museum
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* Statue Of Nightingale Helping A Wounded Soldier
* The Lady With The Lamp
* Treatment Room Where Nightingale Cared For Soldiers