NMC355H1

Ottoman Empire: The Age of Reform

The course examines the history of the Ottoman Empire beginning with the inauguration of the first Western-inspired reforms at the end of the 18th century until the empire’s dissolution over the course of World War I. It explores the transformation of Ottoman politics, society, and intellectual and cultural life during a period marked by active reform efforts and increasing contacts with the West, which had an impact on the empire’s diverse populations. Topics include the Nizam-i Cedid (New Order), the Tanzimat, the Hamidian era, the Young Turk revolution, constitutionalism, women, and the emergence of artistic expressions of modernity, such as theatre and painting. The course also provides insights into the Ottoman legacy in modern Turkey, the Middle East, and the Balkans, and seeks to situate the Ottoman experience in a global context.