The Ottoman Empire and the World Around it

Description

In Islamic law the world was made up of the 'House of Islam' and the 'House of War' with the Ottoman Sultan - successor to the early Caliphs - as supreme ruler of the Islamic world. However, in this ground-breaking study of the Ottoman Empire in the early modern period, Suraiya Faroqhi demonstrates that there was no 'iron curtain' between the Ottoman and 'other' worlds but rather a long-established network of connections - diplomatic, trading and financial., cultural and religious. These extended beyond regional contacts to the empires of Asia and the burgeoning 'modern' states of Europe - England, France, the Netherlands and Venice. Of course, military conflict was a constant factor in these relationships, but the overriding reality was 'one world' and contact between cultured and pragmatic elites - even 'gentlemen travelling for pleasure' - as well as pilgrimage and close artistic contact with the European Renaissance. Faroqhi's book is based on a huge study of original and early modern sources, including diplomatic records, travel and geographical writing, as well as personal accounts. Its breadth and originality will make it essential reading for historians of Europe and the Middle East.

Suraiya Faroqhi is Professor of Ottoman Studies at the Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, and the author of 'Pilgrims and Sultans' and 'Subjects of the Sultan' (both I.B.Tauris).

BIBLIOTHECA ORIENTALIS '..the leading lady in the domain of Ottoman historical studies today...all experienced academic teachers of history will do well by buying this book and putting it on their reference shelves.'-Alexander H. De GrootTURICAReview in FrenchMESA BULLETIN'...This is a very useful and highly illuminating book for readers at all levels of familiarity with Ottoman history. The author's impressive knowledge about very different phases and aspects of Ottoman civilization is evident throughout. Moreover, her interpretations are careful and measured.'-Bogac Ergene, University of VermontNEW HUMANISTNot quotableSUNDAY TELEGRAPH'...illuminating...'JOURNAL OF ISLAMIC STUDIES'Her points are well-illustrated with myriad references, both within the Ottoman world and without. This book is an excellent addition to Faroqhi's impressive collection of studies; the author is widely read in world history and her erudition shows. Her present work deserves to be widely read as well.'-Metin Kunt, Sabanci University, IstanbulINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MIDDLE EAST STUDIES'...insightful...Faroqhi has synthesized a formidable amount of cutting-edge research by numerous Ottomanists, herself very much included...Her exposition is lucid yet always keenly aware of debates and lacunae within the field...Like all Faroqhi's works, it will undoubtedly become required reading for graduate students in Ottoman history, but it is accessible enough to be used by upper division undergraduates and even intrepid members of the general public.'-Jane Hathaway, Department of History, Ohio State UniversityPERIPLUSReview in GermanBULLETIN OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTE FOR INTER-FAITH STUDIES'This excellent study will prove beneficial to a wide range of readers, form advanced undergraduates and graduate students to specialists familiar with the literature...Faroqhi is to be congratulated on synthesizing so much research on a set of historical questions of such great importance.'-Charles L. Wilkins, Colorado College