Subject
Turkey -- Politics and government Books
Best books
William Eleroy Curtis
Around the Black Sea Asia Minor, Armenia, Caucasus, Circassia, Daghestan, the Crimea, Roumania
"Around the Black Sea" by William Eleroy Curtis is a travel narrative originally composed of newspaper letters written in the early 20th century. The book offers a detailed exploration of the countries and landscapes surrounding the Black Sea, delving into the cultural, historical, and social dynamics of the region. Curtis engages with diverse groups of peoples, capturing their customs, traditions, and the natural beauty of Asia Minor, the Crimea, and other locales bordering the Black Sea. The opening of the narrative begins with a vivid description of the author's cruise on the Black Sea, highlighting the variety of people onboard, from Turkish soldiers to Armenian merchants. Curtis reflects on the multicultural environment, noting the distinct costumes and lively interactions among passengers representing different backgrounds and religions. He observes the social customs of Muslims aboard, their attitudes towards food and prayers, and describes the picturesque scenery along the coast, setting the stage for a deeper examination of the historical significance and contemporary realities of the regions he visits. The author’s keen observations and engaging storytelling invite readers to experience a vibrant tapestry of life around the Black Sea.
Albert Howe Lybyer
The government of the Ottoman Empire in the time of Suleiman the Magnificent
"The Government of the Ottoman Empire in the Time of Suleiman the Magnificent" by Albert Howe Lybyer is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work examines the structure, institutions, and underlying ideas that shaped the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent in the sixteenth century. Its main topic is the organization and evolution of the political and social systems that enabled the empire to achieve its remarkable cohesion and power, focusing especially on the interplay between tradition, religious law, and the administrative innovations introduced at the time. The opening of the book sets the stage by emphasizing that nations are primarily formed by their shared ideas rather than by blood or race, using the Ottoman Empire as a key example of this principle. Lybyer offers a sweeping historical background, tracing the origins and migrations of the Turks, the merging of diverse cultures, and the transformation of lands and peoples that culminated in the Ottoman state's unique identity. The early sections outline the central dilemma faced by the empire: governing a vast, diverse realm through two main institutions—the Ruling Institution, comprised mainly of Christian-born slaves elevated to positions of power, and the Moslem Institution, responsible for religion, law, and education. Lybyer clearly details these structures, their origins, recruitment methods (especially the devshirme system of taking Christian boys for state service), and the complexities of Ottoman administration, land ownership, and the empire's relationship with its many peoples.
Clair Price
The Rebirth of Turkey
"The Rebirth of Turkey" by Clair Price is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book centers on the transformative period during and following World War I, focusing on the key figure of Mustapha Kemal Pasha, also known as Atatürk, and his efforts to turn Turkey from an old Ottoman Empire into a modern nation-state. It delves into the intricate interplay of Eastern and Western traditions and the challenges faced in this transition. At the start of the narrative, the author prepares to meet Mustapha Kemal Pasha in Angora, depicting the environment of the Grand National Assembly. Here, Price offers a striking image of Kemal, emphasizing both his military background and his aspirations for Turkey's future, which includes shifting from a military to an economic focus. He reflects on Kemal's character, acknowledging his military prestige while hinting at the complexities of adopting Western ideals in a deeply rooted Eastern society. The initial conversations reveal Kemal's pragmatic vision for Turkey's development and raise questions about the success of his transformative ambitions, setting the stage for the exploration of Turkey's rebirth amidst the shifting political landscape of the time.
Arnold Toynbee
"The Murderous Tyranny of the Turks"
"The Murderous Tyranny of the Turks" by Arnold Toynbee is a historical account written during the early 20th century. This book addresses the oppressive regime of the Ottoman Empire, shedding light on the suffering of the various subjugated peoples, particularly Christians, under Turkish rule. It critiques the barbarity and failures of the Ottoman administration and advocates for the liberation of these oppressed populations. In this work, Toynbee outlines the historical context and consequences of Turkish domination, detailing atrocities committed against Armenians, Greeks, and other ethnic groups. He emphasizes the systematic persecution and genocidal actions carried out by the Young Turks, especially during World War I, as a part of their nationalist agenda to homogenize the empire. The author argues for the necessity of ending the Turkish rule in Europe, as it has led to centuries of destruction and suffering, advocating for the reorganization of the region based on principles of nationality and justice for the oppressed.
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