The Ottomans
A Cultural Legacy
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- £29.99
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- £29.99
Publisher Description
A richly illustrated guide to the Ottoman Empire, 100 years since its dissolution, unravelling its complex cultural legacy and profound impact on Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
At its height, the Ottoman Empire spread from Yemen to the gates of Vienna. Western perceptions of the Ottomans have often been distorted by Orientalism, characterizing their rule as oppressive and destructive, while seeing their culture as exotic and incomprehensible. Based on a lifetimes experience of living and working across its former provinces, Diana Darke offers a unique overview of the Ottoman Empires cultural legacy one century after its dissolution. She uncovers a vibrant, sophisticated civilization that embraced both arts and sciences, whilst welcoming refugees from all ethnicities and religions, notably Christians and Jews.
Darke celebrates the culture of the Ottoman Empire, from its aesthetics and architecture to its scientific and medical innovations, including the first vaccinations. She investigates the crucial role that commerce and trade played in supporting the empire and increasing its cultural reach, highlighting the significant role of women, as well as the diverse religious values, literary and musical traditions that proliferated through the empire. Beautifully illustrated with manuscripts, miniatures, paintings and photographs, The Ottomans: A Cultural Legacy presents the magnificent achievements of an empire that lasted over 600 years and encompassed Asian, European and African cultures, shedding new light on its complex legacy.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The success of the Ottoman Empire lay in its ability to harness the diverse talents of its multicultural population, according to this lavishly illustrated history. Countering the West's historic neglect of the Ottomans, Middle East Institute scholar Darke (Stealing from the Saracens) notes that the empire lasted longer than the Roman Empire and covered more territory than the Byzantine Empire. Detailing the Ottoman influence on commerce, architecture, literature, science, cuisine, and more, Darke notes that Ottoman cartographer Piri Reis's 1517 world map gave Sultan Selim Yavuz "an accurate description of the Americas and the circumnavigation of Africa well before many European rulers"; that modern-day hummus is believed to have descended from an Ottoman bread made from chickpeas, cinnamon, and pine nuts; and that Ottoman physicians invented the forceps, scalpel, and other surgical devices and took a holistic approach that sought "to create the best ambience in which the body and mind could heal themselves." Elsewhere, Darke delves into the influence of water on Ottoman architecture and explains how the millet administrative system fostered a sense of community and autonomy among the empire's various religious and ethnic groups. Vibrant, full-color illustrations complement Darke's insights and bring key Ottoman figures, events, and artistic traditions to life. This is a treasure.
