Welcome to the Journey!

Maps from: Worldbookonline.

The Ottoman Empire emerged from nomadic Turkic tribes living on the Anatolian plain. The name of the Ottoman is from an early leader, Osman Ghazi. As the Byzantine Empire became weaker, the Ottomans assumed greater power, eventually expanding to areas throughout North Africa, the Balkans, Syria, and Asia up to the border of present day Russia. Islam was the religion of power, but the Empire also encompassed Christians and Jews, at times peacefully. The major trade routes connecting East Asia to the Middle East and Europe passed through Ottoman territories, and trade along with agriculture created a strong economy. Iconic architectural accomplishments such as Hagia Sophia are the defining visual legacies of the Ottoman Empire. The domed mosque was an innovation of Ottoman architects which spread throughout the Empire and beyond. During some phases of the Empire there was an unusual and perhaps unprecedented degree of religious tolerance and respect for cultural diversity. However, the Turkish genocide of its Armenian subjects at the end of World War I had deep historical roots in Ottoman history and caused terrible suffering to over a million people.

This blog will recount my experiences and thoughts as a participant in the National Endowment for the Humanities 2013 Summer Institute on the Ottoman Empire, led by Primary Source. Our group will travel to places that are significant in Ottoman history, including Cannakle, Sofranbolu, Iznik, Edirne, and of course Istanbul.