El Cüz-ü Kad Semia 1902 Islamic education in Ottoman Empire Arabic Turkish Qur’an Learning
El Cüz-ü Kad Semia – Matbaa-i Bahriyye Edition (1318 AH / c. 1902)
Description:
This is an Ottoman-era booklet titled El Cüz-ü Kad Semia, containing the 28th part (juz) of the Qur’an, printed by Matbaa-i Bahriyye around 1318 AH (circa 1902). With its compact size (15 x 10.3 cm), it represents a typical example of portable religious texts widely used in daily life and education during the Ottoman period.
An important note printed just above the date states that the work was examined and officially approved (corrected and certified) by the Müellefat-ı Şer'iyye Meclisi, indicating its reliability and conformity to religious standards of the time.
Such individual Qur’anic sections (cüz) were commonly produced for both devotional practice and instructional use. Rather than handling the entire Qur’an, readers—especially students—would use these smaller, more manageable booklets.
In the Ottoman education system, particularly in Sıbyan Mektepleri (primary religious schools), these cüz booklets played a central role. After learning the Arabic alphabet (Elifba), students typically progressed through the Qur’an in stages: beginning with the 30th juz (Amme), followed by the 29th (Tebareke), and then continuing with the 28th juz (Kad Semia), as seen in this copy.
Their lightweight and compact format made them easy to carry, allowing children to transport them conveniently to and from school, often in small bags or tucked into their belts.
This booklet is not only a religious text but also a reflection of the educational structure and daily religious practices of the Ottoman world. It stands as a meaningful collectible representing both devotional culture and early learning traditions.
Key Features:
• Title: El Cüz-ü Kad Semia
• Date: 1318 AH (circa 1902)
• Printer: Matbaa-i Bahriyye
• Language: Arabic (Ottoman print tradition)
• Format: Religious Booklet (15 x 10.3 cm)
• Content: 28th Juz of the Qur’an
• Approval: Examined and certified by Müellefat-ı Şer'iyye Meclisi
• Educational Use: Used in Sıbyan Mektepleri (primary religious schools)
• Learning Progression: Part of staged Qur’an reading (after 30th and 29th juz)
• Function: Devotional reading and instructional material
• Historical Context: Ottoman religious and educational practices
• Significance: Everyday religious text integrated into learning and worship
• Collector Appeal: Authentic Ottoman Qur’anic booklet reflecting educational tradition