The Ottoman World: A Cultural History Reader, 1450-1700

The Ottoman Empire was a vast empire that spanned from modern-day Hungary to the Arabian Peninsula, home to a diverse population with a rich variety of cultures. The Ottoman World is a primary source reader that brings a wide range of voices from Ottoman society into the classroom, translated into multiple languages. These texts cover the early modern Ottoman empire from the 1450s to 1700 and provide insights into the lives of individuals, popular mindsets, and the scholarship's new directions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2021
Publisher: University of California Press

The Ottoman Empire, spanning from modern-day Hungary to the Arabian Peninsula, was a vast territory inhabited by a diverse and vibrant population. This empire was home to a multitude of cultures, each with its own unique traditions, customs, and languages. The Ottoman World is a groundbreaking primary source reader that brings together a diverse range of voices from Ottoman society. These texts, written in various languages such as Ottoman Turkish, Arabic, Armenian, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, and Persian, cover the entire span of the early modern Ottoman empire, from the 1450s to 1700.

The purpose of this collection is to provide instructors with narratives that convey the lived experiences of individuals, highlighting the diversity within Ottoman society. By offering a selection of texts that deviate from a state-centric approach to Ottoman history, the book encourages a more nuanced understanding of the empire. In addition to narratives, the book includes samples from court registers, legends, biographical accounts, hagiographies, short stories, witty anecdotes, jokes, and lampoons. These sources offer fascinating glimpses into the popular mindset of Ottoman society, providing a unique perspective on the empire's cultural and social landscape.

By incorporating this collection into the classroom, instructors can foster a deeper understanding of Ottoman history and culture. The diverse range of texts and perspectives offered by The Ottoman World encourages students to engage with the material in a more critical and analytical manner, promoting a broader understanding of the world. Whether used as a primary source or as a supplementary resource, this collection is a valuable tool for teachers and students alike.

Weight: 953g
Dimension: 254 x 178 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520303430