The Other Faces of the Empire - Ordinary Lives Against Social Order and Hierarchy

Essays provide a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during the Ottoman era, revealing their experiences and struggles. "The Other Faces of Empire" explores the stories of these individuals, including Deli Şaban, Divane Hamza, Mâryem of Konya, Alaeddin, and Nicolò Algarotti, offering a micro-historical perspective and updating the historical record.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2022
Publisher: Koc University Press

Essays provide a captivating glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals who lived during the Ottoman era. By delving into centuries-old court records, The Other Faces of Empire offers a unique perspective on the lives of "outstage" individuals residing in the vast territories of the empire. Through a series of essays, the collection explores the experiences of ordinary people as they navigated the complexities of the Ottoman Empire.

Within these narratives, we encounter a diverse range of characters, each with their own unique story to tell. From Deli Şaban, known for his "naughty and haramzade" behavior and multiple unsuccessful suicide attempts, to Divane Hamza, who harassed the residents of Evciler in Bursa, to Mâryem of Konya, who resorted to murdering her husbands and burying them beneath the floor of her house, the characters in this collection are both colorful and extraordinary.

The collection's micro-historical approach strengthens its place in historiography, offering a fresh perspective on the Ottoman Empire. By highlighting the overlooked stories of "ordinary" people and recording their names in the Ottoman historical literature, the volumes contribute to updating the historical record and shedding light on the lives of those often marginalized by traditional narratives.

Through these essays, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals living in the Ottoman Empire, as well as the resilience and determination they exhibited in the face of adversity. The Other Faces of Empire serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the lesser-known aspects of Ottoman history and the lives of its ordinary citizens.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 243 x 174 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9786057685681