The Ottoman Empire: A Historical Encyclopedia [2 volumes]

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Description

This two-volume reference provides university and high school studentsand the general publicwith a wealth of information on one of the most important empires the world has ever known. Arranged in topical sections, this two-volume encyclopedia will help students and general readers alike delve into the fascinating story of an empire that continues to influence the world despite having been dissolved almost 100 years ago. Detailed entries describe the people, careers, and major events that played a central role in the history of the Ottoman Empire, covering both internal developments in Ottoman society and the empire's relationship with the powerful forces that surrounded it. Readers and researchers will find information pertaining to archaeology, geography, art history, ethnology, sociology, economics, religion, philosophy, mysticism, science and medicine, international relations, and numerous other areas of study. Many of the entries are enriched with material from Turkish and Persian primary sources written by courtiers, authors, and historians who were present at the time of major military campaigns or other important events in Ottoman history. These and other annotated primary documents will give students the opportunity to analyze events and will promote critical thinking skills. The language used throughout is accessible and based on the assumption that the reader is not familiar with the long, rich, and complex history of the Ottoman state.

Reviews

This two-volume work explores the Ottoman Empire thematically, beginning with a long introduction that traces Ottoman imperial and military history from its founding, in the thirteenth century, to its final breakup and dissolution, during the early years of the twentieth century. . . . [A] good overview of the Ottoman sultans and the political institutions within the Ottoman Empire. * Booklist Online *
The lengthy introduction provides a superb survey of the topic, concluding with a helpful bibliography. In addition, primary documents and a chronological time line add to the reference value of this work.. . . . Libraries that already own the older encyclopedia should consider acquiring this excellent, important new work. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers. * Choice *
The range of essay entries is, on the whole, impressive. . . . A library where the history of Turkey, the Middle East, the Balkans or Islam more generally is not a core interest may find Kia's The Ottoman Empire: A Historical Encyclopedia a useful acquisition as an adjunct to its general historical reference range. * Reference Reviews *

Author Bio

Mehrdad Kia, PhD, is director of the Central and Southwest Asian Studies Center and professor of history at the University of Montana.