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The Ottoman Empire

By: Kenneth W. Harl, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Kenneth W. Harl
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Summary

By understanding the dramatic story of the Ottoman Empire - from its early years as a collection of raiders and conquerors to its undeniable power in the 15th and 16th centuries to its catastrophic collapse in the wreckage of the First World War - one can better grasp the current complexities of the Middle East.

Over the course of these 36 enlightening lectures, investigate over 600 years of history that covers the nature of Ottoman identity, the achievements of the Sultan's court, and stories of confrontation and cooperation with the West.

Befitting a story of such epic scope and grandeur, every lecture is a treasure trove of historical insights into the people, events, themes, and locales responsible for shaping the story of this often-overlooked empire. You'll cover everything from Rumi, the whirling dervishes, and the importance of the sultan's grand viziers to the wars of Sultan Suleiman I, the shadowy politics of the Committee of Union and Progress, and the birth of the Turkish Republic under Kemal Atatürk.

Welcome to a fascinating story of the triumph and tragedy, war and peace, intellectual progress and civil insurrection of a great empire that, for all its glory and grandeur, has left an important legacy that will shape the future of the Balkan nation-states, the Turkish Republic, and the Arab world - and those of us in the West as well.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2017 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2017 The Great Courses
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What listeners say about The Ottoman Empire

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Good overview for the interested non-academic

The common Western view of the Ottoman Empire is shaped by films like "Lawrence of Arabia" - a decaying despotism being pushed off history's stage. Yet for several centuries it dominated that stage, an empire extending over three continents, and for much of that time more pluralist in racial or religious terms than many of its successor states.
This is a well-presented account for the interested non-academic: I enjoyed it and learned a lot from it.

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Extraordinary

Extraordinary crash course of Ottoman Empire. Very well narrated and covers all eras sufficiently. Neutral and historical approach to some of the controversial events regarding Ottoman Empire. A must-listen.

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Consise and detailed

amazing book. lenghty but we'll structured and told with enthusiasm and passion. highly recommended for all l

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Informative and easy to listen too

As a person who is casually interested in history this had the right amount of information and was performed well for great learning

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Not only the history of modern turkey, but

Not only the history of modern turkey, but also of the balkans, middle east, north africa and in part of central Asia. This is my favorite set of history lectures from the great courses so far, I knew next to nothing of the subject and it was a truly eye opening experience, the professor is fantastic. This course also combines well with the history of eastern europe great course, which I went through earlier. It also combines well with the lectures on the Byzantium empire great course, i.e. the predecessor of the Ottoman empire, by the same professor, though the Byzantium lectures were quite dry, fortunately the ottoman lectures are not dry at all, and are a truly facinating listen.

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A fantastic overview of The Ottoman Empire

The subject matter is broad but this course has given me a fantastic understanding of the growth and development leading to the creation of the Turkish Republic.
Dr Harl is an engaging lecturer.

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Flawed. Excellent. Worthy.

Biased yes. But in ways that seem quite obvious. This lecturer is the most passionate of any of the dozens of great courses series I have heard. That, his pace, and the fascinwsibject matter add up to a highly engaging ride. I recommend listening at 0.9x speed. His tone voice is harsh and rapid, and slowing it down makes it more enjoyable to hear.

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Fantastic presentation on Ottoman History.

The author shows that the Ottomans were a civilisation equal to the greatest in the world, on par with Rome. It’s achievements were colossal. It was truly multicultural, multiracial, and remarkably tolerant for its time. It produced some of the world’s greatest architecture and engineering. It’s military was among greatest the world has seen. The lecture series has expanded my knowledge enormously and I am very grateful for making this available.

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An excellent book

one of the Best book on Ottomans their uprising and their downfall.
History teaches everything

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Magnificent lecturer on a magnificent topic

Kenneth Harl is my favourite lecturer for history courses. His knowledge, easy way of telling a story and his enthusiasm got me hooked into his courses. I love the history of the Mediterranean, and he provides fantastic input. The Ottoman Empire is a topic that fits fine. Great listening!!!

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