The Historical Evolution of Religious and Secular Educational Institutions in the Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan (1800–1917): Educational Transformation, Cultural Context, and Institutional Development

Abstract

This article examines the historical development of religious and secular educational institutions in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan between 1800 and 1917. Drawing on historical sources, the study demonstrates that educational institutions have existed in Azerbaijan, including Karabakh, since the early Middle Ages. In the early stages, education was predominantly organized within religious institutions such as mosques and madrasahs. Over time, particularly during the period of the developed Middle Ages, these institutions gradually evolved and expanded their educational activities. Until the early nineteenth century, most educational establishments functioned under the supervision of madrasahs and local religious figures such as mullahs. Beginning in the nineteenth century, however, significant reforms were introduced to modernize the educational system. New school regulations were adopted, and secular educational models gradually began to replace traditional religious schooling. A considerable part of the educational network in the Karabakh region was concentrated in the city of Shusha, which became an important educational and cultural center. Based on contemporary historical sources, the article analyzes the transformation of the regional education system and the transition from predominantly religious schooling to secular educational institutions.