The foundation of the mathematics, physics, and astronomy departments at Istanbul University traces back to the academic career of Salih Zeki. Born in Istanbul in 1864, he bridged the gap between Ottoman scientific traditions and European technical training, serving as an astronomer, electrical engineer, and mathematician throughout a period of significant institutional transition within the Ottoman Empire.
Technical Training in France
Salih Zeki began his secondary education at Darüşşafaka High School between 1879 and 1882. Following this, he was sent to France by the Post and Telegraph Ministry to specialize in electrical engineering. He attended the École polytechnique and the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées from 1883 until 1887. Upon returning to Istanbul, he utilized his training as an electrical engineer and inspector for the Ministry.
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In 1895, Zeki succeeded Coumbary as the director of the Rasathâne-i Âmire, the state observatory now known as the Kandilli Observatory. His career transitioned further into administration and education in the following decades. In 1912, he served as Under Secretary of the Ministry of Education, and in 1913, he became the president of Istanbul University. He resigned from the presidency in 1917 but remained active as a teacher in the Faculty of Sciences.
Contributions to Science and Mathematics
Zeki produced a wide range of texts across multiple scientific disciplines. His publications include works on astronomy, such as New Cosmography and Abridged Cosmography, and physics titles including Hikmet-i Tabiiyye, Mebhas-ı Elektrik-i Miknatisi, and Mebhas-ı Hararet-i Harekiye. His mathematical output featured Kamus-i Riyaziyat, Hendese-i Tahliliye, and Hesab-i Ihtimali. Additionally, he authored Asar-ı Bakiye, a study on the history of science.
Professional Scope and Legacy
Throughout his life, Zeki maintained positions at institutions including the Ottoman Imperial School for Administration, the Collège de France, and Darülfünun. He was proficient in French, Persian, Arabic, and Ottoman Turkish. Zeki died in 1921 in the Şişli district of Istanbul and was buried at the Fatih Mosque Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1864, Istanbul
- Died: 1921, Şişli
- Education: École polytechnique, 1883-1887
- Key Role: President of Istanbul University, 1913-1917
- Languages: French, Turkish, Persian, Arabic, Ottoman Turkish
- Notable Work: Kamus-i Riyaziyat
- Burial Site: Fatih Mosque Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Salih Zeki teach?
He taught at the Faculty of Sciences at Istanbul University, specializing in mathematics, physics, and astronomy.
What was his role at the Rasathâne-i Âmire?
He served as the director of the state observatory, beginning his tenure in 1895 after succeeding Coumbary.
Achievements
- Held posts at Darülfünun, Ottoman Imperial School for Administration and Collège de France
