HISTORY OF THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

Wide both in its geographical extension and by temporal continuity, the History of the Ottoman Empire may be considered as a must-do for the aspirant Orientalist. Stretched between the end of the Middle Age and the first century of Contemporary Age, and concerning the Balkans, Northern Africa and the Middle East, Ottoman studies do encourage a critical analysis on the transition to modernity. Therefore, comparatively, Ottoman History is also relevant to the students of History of Europe and History of the Mediterranean.

The main target of this course is to teach the main events concerning the History of the Ottoman Empire as well as its most important institutions and structures. Moreover, the acquaintance with the discussion on Ottoman historiography will let the students develop a sensible critical thought on Oriental Studies as a whole, in view of their respective further education.

No previous knowledge in the field is required.

- Locating Ottoman History and its sources. Periodization. Historiography discussion.
- Historical geography of the Ottoman Empire: land, natural resources, energy and historical demography.
- Formation and further evolution of the government.
- Key-arguments in economic, social and cultural history of the Ottoman Empire.
- Frontier society and emergency of the Ottoman power.
- Conquest and further strengthening of the centralized empire and its institutions.
- Imperial ideology and its representations.
- Political geography of the Ottoman Empire: center and peripheries, urban and rural environments, social order and disorder.
- Life and religious institutions in the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Perspectives of historical comparation: the case of the History of Venice.

Further bibliography in English may be provided upon specific request.

- Suraiya Faroqhi, Approaching Ottoman History. An Introduction to the Sources, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1999 (ISBN 0521666481)

Oral exam on topics discussed in class and mentioned in the bibliography provided.

Lessons and, eventually, seminaries.

Italian

oral