Emotions in the Ottoman Empire: Politics, Society, and Family in the Early Modern Era

This book explores the role of emotions in early modern Ottoman society, arguing that the concept of "protection" was culturally specific and historically contingent and shaped by unequal power relations. It draws on Ottoman primary sources to trace the changing meaning of protection over time and its impact on social, political, and familial relations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book is a valuable contribution to the fields of history of emotions and Ottoman Empire studies, as it delves into the intricate web of political, social, and familial relationships in early modern Ottoman society. Spanning a wide range of emotions, from love and compassion in political discourse to gratitude in communal relations to affection in the home, Emotions in the Ottoman Empire explores the role of emotions in both micro and macro settings. By drawing on Ottoman primary sources such as advice manuals, judicial court records, and imperial decrees, the book argues that the concept of "protection," which was central to Ottoman politics and society, was culturally specific and historically contingent.

The book explores the experiences of protection and vulnerability in the early modern era, examining how Ottoman subjects conceptualized the unequal power relations that shaped their lives. It traces the changing meaning of protection throughout the nineteenth century, as well as how emotions transformed or were lost in the process of modernization. By highlighting a culture that has been largely neglected in the history of emotions, the book seeks to globalize the field and encourage a deeper understanding of Ottoman society in the early modern period.

In conclusion, Emotions in the Ottoman Empire is a timely and insightful exploration of the complex relationship between emotions, power, and society in early modern Ottoman history. By drawing on a wide range of primary sources and by challenging traditional narratives, the book offers a fresh perspective on this important period and contributes to our understanding of the history of emotions more broadly.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350180543