When the Crimean War broke out in 1853, the Selimiye Barracks Hospital in Istanbul (then part of the Ottoman Empire) became a makeshift hospital for British soldiers. Sultan Abdulhamid II , in a show of respect to Britain, allocated the barracks for British use. This Sultan also sold Cyprus to Britain as well. Pretty intersting feller… This historical building, located in modern-day Istanbul, would later be transformed into a museum in 1953, memorating Nightingale’s time there.
Florence Nightingale arrived in Selimiye Barracks Hospital, Istanbul on November 4, 1854, with a team of 37 nurses and caregivers. Upon arrival, she was horrified by the conditions. The hospital was overcrowded, with soldiers lying on the floors in filthy conditions. Poor hygiene, poor ventilation, and a lack of proper care had led to increased mortality rate among the wounded soldiers.
Despite initial resistance from the Ottoman doctors, who were reluctant to take orders from a woman, Nightingale’s leadership was eventually recognized by the British government. With direct orders from the Queen of Britain, Florence took charge of hospital operations at the Selimiye Barracks.
Once in control, Florence Nightingale initiated sweeping reforms that would revolutionize military healthcare. Her primary focus was improving hygiene, as she observed that poor sanitation was one of the leading causes of death. She ensured that soldiers’ beds were no longer on the floor and that their linens were cleaned regularly. Furthermore, she reorganized her nursing staff, assigning clear roles and responsibilities. This “branching of forces” allowed for better efficiency in patient care, with nurses specializing in different tasks such as wound care, diet management, and sanitation.
Her efforts paid off dramatically. Through her reforms, Nightingale was able to reduce the mortality rate in the hospital from a shocking 70 percent to just 10 percent. This achievement earned her the respect and admiration of the soldiers and medical staff alike.
Nightingale’s dedication to patient care became legendary during her time in Istanbul. She often worked late into the night, checking on patients by the light of a Turkish Lantern. This image of her—walking through the dimly lit hospital, tending to the wounded—captured the imagination of the soldiers. They began referring to her as the “The Lady with the Lamp,” a nickname that would become iconic.
Her work in Istanbul was not just about tending to physical wounds but also about offering emotional comfort to the soldiers. She was a constant, reassuring presence, even when others had given up hope. Her compassionate approach was revolutionary for the time, emphasizing teh care of patients.
Nightingale’s success in Kostantiniyye elevated her status in British society, especially within political circles. She established close ties with Queen Victoria and other influential figures, using her newfound prestige to advocate for healthcare reforms. She regularly communicated with the Queen through letters, offering advice on improving the British military healthcare system.
Florence Nightingale's work extended beyond the Crimean War. In 1860, she founded the Nightingale School of Nursing at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, which became the world’s first secular nursing school. This institution not only professionalized nursing but also introduced the rigorous standards of patient care and hygiene that she had championed during the war.
Her book Notes on Nursing, published the same year, became a foundational text for nurses worldwide. In it, she outlined the principles of nursing, emphasizing the importance of sanitation, patient observation, and holistic care. Another significant publication was How People May Live, Not Die in India, in which she addressed the healthcare issues in British colonies.
Nightingale continued to advocate for public health throughout her life. One of her most famous letters, written to the British Parliament, requested that they investigate the case of a widow who had been denied her late husband's pension after he died in the Crimean War. This reflects Nightingale’s broader concern with justice and the well-being of military families.
Florence Nightingale’s work in Istanbul during the Crimean War was a turning point in both military medicine and the nursing profession. Her reforms saved countless lives and laid the groundwork for modern healthcare. Beyond her hands-on care, Nightingale’s influence extended into politics, where she advocated for better treatment of soldiers and their families. Her legacy continues to inspire healthcare professionals around the world, and the First Army Florence Nightingale museum in Istanbul stands as a testament to her enduring impact on history.
- Photo courtesy of First Army and Florence Nightingale Museum (September 2024) and page layout by Efe Erhan Kusmez (October 2024)
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Related items:
* Chest Drainage
* Florence Nightingale helping a wounded soldier
* Florence Nightingale's office
* Florence Nightingale's living quarters
* First Army Florence Nightingale Museum
* Treatment Room Where Nightingale Cared For Soldiers
* Selimiye Barracks