In 1834, therefore, the School for Military Science (Mekteb-i Ulum-u Harbiye) was opened, although initial problems arising from opposition by leading dignitaries, as well as lack of funds, books, qualified teachers and a place suitable for instruction, all meant that the school came into real existence only in October 1837. Even then its curriculum was limited to such traditional subjects as reading, writing, arithmetic, Arabic, and military tactics.

Khaled Fahmy, All the Pasha_s Men_ Mehmed…, loc. 1383