NEAR E 371 Love and Empire: Cultural History of the Ottoman Empire through Literature VLPA/I&S
This class provides students with a general knowledge of the Ottoman Empire and its history that intertwines with the histories of Europe and Asia within the larger context of world history just when as the Atlantic trade shifts the checks and balances of the old world. Subjects of the Ottoman Empire were defined by the "people of the book," i.e. Jews, Christians and Muslims, and not by ethnic or linguistic heritage. What was the general make up of Ottoman society? Who can be called Ottomans? Why did Ottomans kept keep such a vast written archive? Ottoman Sultan Süleyman I had composed more than 4500 gazels, lyric poems of 5-7 lines. Why did all Ottoman elite, including Ottoman dynasty, composed so many literary works, especially poems? What were these about and how did they function for in representation of power and establishing a unique world view for Ottoman elite.
