Treatment of Mental Health Disorders in the Safavid and Ottoman Empires: A Comparative Socio-Historical Analysis Publisher



Ahansazan H ; Esmaealzadeh N ; Ayati MH ; Zargaran A
Source: Journal of Research on History of Medicine Published:2025

Abstract

This comparative-historical analysis explores how mental disorders were treated in the Safavid and Ottoman empires. Both empires shared a common foundation based on humoral medicine and a holistic understanding of the mind-body connection. Treatments encompassed physical methods, such as diets, herbal remedies, and cupping, as well as spiritual therapies, including Quranic recitation, prayer, and pilgrimage. However, there were notable differences in the role of the state and the institutionalization of mental health care. The Ottoman state, particularly in the 16th century, developed a more institutionalized and centralized system by establishing charitable institutions known as Dartissifa (house of healing). This trend culminated in the 19th century with the modernization of Ottoman medicine. In contrast, the Safavid Empire did not have a comparable institutionalized and centralized network, and the responsibility for treatment largely rested on the community, family, and local healers. This decentralized, community-based approach remained in place throughout the Safavid era and did not evolve into a centralized, state-run psychiatric system. © Journal of Research on History of Medicine.