Crimean War sparks establishment of US school in Turkey

During the Crimean War, American missionary Cyrus Hamlin established a seminary in Bebek, near Constantinople, where he also operated a bakery to support the local Protestant Armenian community facing persecution. His efforts caught the attention of Robert, who visited Constantinople and later proposed the creation of a secular school. This proposal emerged during a time of significant reform in the Ottoman Empire, known as the Tanzimat reforms, which aimed to modernize and secularize the state. Despite initial challenges, including difficulties in acquiring land for the new school, Hamlin and Robert worked together to realize their vision of a Christian educational institution. Hamlin's decision to leave the Bebek Seminary was influenced by the ABCFM's relocation of the seminary, which allowed him to focus on the new school project. Robert continued to support the financial needs of the school, which often exceeded $10,000, until his passing in 1878. By 1870, the institution, later known as Robert College, had relocated to a site near Rumeli Castle and had grown to accommodate over 100 students. This development marked a significant milestone in American education abroad, establishing a foundation for future educational endeavors in Turkey. The establishment of Robert College not only provided educational opportunities for local students but also symbolized the broader impact of American missionary work during a tumultuous period in Ottoman history. The school became a vital part of the cultural and educational landscape in Turkey, influencing generations of students and contributing to the region's modernization efforts.