HIST 336 - History of the Ottoman Empire: 1300-1923

Credits: (3)
The Ottoman Empire was one of the longest-lasting political structures in world history, ruling over a large portion of the Middle East and the Balkans for six centuries. This course is a survey of the history of the empire from its origins as a small principality in medieval Anatolia to a major world power in the sixteenth century, and to its eventual disintegration by the end of World War I. It intends to familiarize the students with the main political, social and cultural institutions of the Ottoman state and society, and how these changed over time. It will also introduce students to some of the major themes and recent trends in Ottoman historiography, including debates on the origins and decline of the Ottomans, the issue of Ottomans’ legacy for the successor states, as well as the growing research on Ottoman women.