Ottoman Historical Documents: The Institutions of an Empire

This collection of translated primary sources provides insight into the major institutions of Ottoman government and how they functioned in practice. With contextualizing introductions, annotations, and glossaries, it is a valuable resource for scholars and students of Ottoman history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This comprehensive collection of translated primary sources provides a valuable insight into the development and functioning of the major institutions of Ottoman government. Spanning various periods, these texts offer a rich perspective on the political, social, and economic dynamics of the Ottoman Empire. Each document is accompanied by a contextualizing introduction that provides historical background, annotations, and a glossary to assist readers in understanding technical terminology and interpreting the material.

The Ottoman Empire was a vast and complex state that ruled over a diverse range of territories for centuries. Its government was characterized by a hierarchical structure that included the sultan, who was the absolute ruler, and various administrative and judicial institutions.

One of the key institutions of the Ottoman government was the military, which played a crucial role in the empire's expansion and defense. The Ottoman army was known for its discipline, organization, and use of advanced military technology. It consisted of a variety of units, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and was organized into corps and divisions.

Another important institution was the bureaucracy, which was responsible for managing the empire's day-to-day affairs. The bureaucracy was divided into several departments, including finance, agriculture, and justice, and was headed by a series of high-ranking officials known as muftis.

The judicial system was also an important institution of the Ottoman government. The empire had a complex legal system that was based on Islamic law and was administered by a network of judges and courts. The system was designed to ensure that justice was administered fairly and consistently across the empire.

In addition to these institutions, the Ottoman government also relied on a system of taxation to fund its operations. The empire collected taxes from its subjects, including farmers, merchants, and artisans, and used these funds to build roads, schools, and hospitals, as well as to pay the salaries of its officials.

Overall, this collection of translated primary sources provides a wealth of information about the development and functioning of the major institutions of Ottoman government. By exploring these texts, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of the Ottoman Empire and its role in shaping the world during the early modern period.

The Ottoman Empire was a vast and complex state that ruled over a diverse range of territories for centuries. Its government was characterized by a hierarchical structure that included the sultan, who was the absolute ruler, and various administrative and judicial institutions.

One of the key institutions of the Ottoman government was the military, which played a crucial role in the empire's expansion and defense. The Ottoman army was known for its discipline, organization, and use of advanced military technology. It consisted of a variety of units, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and was organized into corps and divisions.

Another important institution was the bureaucracy, which was responsible for managing the empire's day-to-day affairs. The bureaucracy was divided into several departments, including finance, agriculture, and justice, and was headed by a series of high-ranking officials known as muftis.

The judicial system was also an important institution of the Ottoman government. The empire had a complex legal system that was based on Islamic law and was administered by a network of judges and courts. The system was designed to ensure that justice was administered fairly and consistently across the empire.

In addition to these institutions, the Ottoman government also relied on a system of taxation to fund its operations. The empire collected taxes from its subjects, including farmers, merchants, and artisans, and used these funds to build roads, schools, and hospitals, as well as to pay the salaries of its officials.

Overall, this collection of translated primary sources provides a wealth of information about the development and functioning of the major institutions of Ottoman government. By exploring these texts, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of the Ottoman Empire and its role in shaping the world during the early modern period.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 171 x 245 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474479370