Confronting a disease in the late Ottoman State: Dau'l-kelb (rabies disease) in the context of the state's official attitude

WOS: 000419779400008Dau'l-Kelb is a term used in the Ottoman world for rabies disease. Rabies is a viral disease, which is infectious disease seen in both humans and animals. This disease is transmitted with animals especially rabies dogs, such as wolf, fox, jackal, cat that bite or injure related to bite people. The most effective fight against this disease began after Pasteur introduced rabies vaccine to the whole world in 1885. In the Ottoman state, the fight against this disease has been carried on with determination and sincere interest has been shown in the developments in Europe regarding the treatment of rabies. At the same time, research delegation have been sent to Europe and a number of publications have been published on the treatment of rabies, so that disease can be diagnosed more closely and an effective fight against it can be sustained and also hospitals were opened. The Ottoman state has shown great diligence in implementing preventive measures against rabies that threaten public health and safety. This study, aims to present some evaluations on the official interest of the state towards the rabies disease, the attitude of the society, the measures against the disease and the results obtained in the recent times of the Ottoman state