x, 358 pages : 24 cm

The cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire has traditionally been presented to us through its monuments - mosques, mausoleums, palaces, baths - and its high arts, such as court painting and calligraphy. Our understanding of Ottoman culture has thus come from a world created by and for sultans, viziers and the elite of the Empire

Includes bibliographical references (pages 329-351) and index

The emergence of an empire -- Culture: How it was created and disseminated -- The economic and social structure of the Ottoman Empire in early modern times -- Images of the world and the times -- Borders and those who crossed them -- Women's culture -- The Arts -- Architects, pious foundations and architectural aesthetics -- Town life: urban identity and lifestyle -- Ceremonies, festivals and the decorative arts -- Readers, writers and storytellers -- Food, drink and sociability -- Cultural change -- Crises and new beginnings, 1770-1839 -- Elegance Alafranga, social criticism and tomatoes: transformations in the culture of the Ottoman upper class, 1840-1914 -- In conclusion -- Notes -- Chronology

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews