Book cover of 'The Ottomans: A Cultural Legacy' by Diana Darke with decorative blue and white pattern.

The Ottomans

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'Exquisitely written and lavishly illustrated, this delightful book brings five centuries of Ottoman culture to life' Eugene Rogan, author of The Fall of the Ottomans

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At its height, the Ottoman Empire spread from Yemen to the gates of Vienna, yet Western perceptions of the Ottomans have often been distorted by Orientalism, characterizing their rule as oppressive and destructive, while seeing their culture as exotic and incomprehensible.

Based on a lifetime’s experience of living and working across its former provinces, Diana Darke uncovers a vibrant, sophisticated civilization that embraced both arts and sciences and welcomed refugees from all ethnicities and religions. Darke celebrates the culture of the Ottoman Empire, from aesthetics and architecture to scientific and medical innovations, the significant role of women, and explores the crucial part commerce and trade played in supporting the empire and increasing its cultural reach, presenting the magnificent achievements of an empire that lasted over 600 years.
Extent: 256 pp
Format: Paperback
Illustrations: 24
Publication date: 2024-10-03
Size: 19.8 x 12.9 cm
ISBN: 9780500298183
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    Book cover of 'The Ottomans: A Cultural Legacy' by Diana Darke with decorative blue and white pattern.
    Book open to a page with a portrait of a woman, text, and an illustration of a room.
    Open book with black and white photograph and text on a white background
    Open book showing historical illustrations and text on a white background
Book open to a page with a portrait of a woman, text, and an illustration of a room.
Open book with black and white photograph and text on a white background
Open book showing historical illustrations and text on a white background

Press Reviews

This gorgeous, wide-ranging and utterly fascinating book is the perfect introduction to the art and architecture, as well as cultural, religious and political history of one of the important and surprising of empires
William Dalrymple, author of 'The Anarchy: The Relentless Rise of the East India Company'

A balanced voice that surpasses prejudice and fixed notions, Diana Darke seeks to bridge the two worlds of the East and West through fascinating accounts of history, art and culture with a dedicated focus on what brings us together in an era of polarization
Marwa al-Sabouni, author of 'The Battle for Home' and 'Building for Hope'

The Ottomans sets out to inform and revise opinion. In this beautifully illustrated volume, Diana Darke, a specialist in the history and culture of the Middle East, seeks to remind us of the glories, triumphs and successes of what was once one of the world’s greatest empires. … Darke has done a sterling job in showcasing the best of the cultural legacies
Peter Frankopan, The Financial Times

To appreciate Ottoman society, there is nowhere better to start. This is a celebration of all aspects of Ottoman culture – its government, religious values, commerce, education, art, medicine, music, architecture and cuisine. … A joy not just to read but to look at. Every page seems to hold not only another fascinating revelation, but also a beautiful illustration to go with it
Cornucopia

About the Author

Diana Darke is the author of Stealing from the Saracens: How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe, which was one of BBC History Magazine’s best books of 2020 and chosen by William Dalrymple as his history book of the year. Her other books include The Merchant of Syria, My House in Damascus and The Last Sanctuary in Aleppo, as well as travel guides on Turkey and Syria.

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