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History General

The Well-Protected Domains

Ideology and the Legitimation of Power in the Ottoman Empire, 1876-1909

by (author) Selim Deringil

Publisher
I. B. Tauris
Initial publish date
Nov 1999
Category
General, General
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781860644726
    Publish Date
    Nov 1999
    List Price
    $34.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

How did the late Ottoman Empire grapple with the challenge of modernity and survive? Rejecting explanations based on the concept of an “Islamic empire” or the tired paradigm of the “Eastern Question,“ Selim Deringil focuses on imperial ideology and draws out the striking similarities between the Ottoman and other late legitimist empires like Russia, Austria and Japan. Deringil’s vivid narrative traces the Ottoman state’s pursuit of legitimization in public ceremonies, in the iconography of buildings, music, the honors system and the language of the chancery; in its proto-nationalist reformulation of Islamic legal practices; in its efforts to inculcate, through an expanded education system, the idea of an “Ottoman citizenry”; and in the efforts of the Ottoman elite to present a “civilized” image abroad.

About the author

Contributor Notes

Selim Deringilis Professor of History at Bogaziçi University, Istanbul.

Editorial Reviews

“...chronicles the desperate struggle of Abdulhamid II to preserve a world that was slipping from under his feet...” -- Journal of Contemporary History

“...chronicles the desperate struggle of Abdulhamid II to preserve a world that was slipping from under his feet...” -- Journal of Contemporary History