This course examines the roles of Islam in Turkish history and culture throughout the centuries, starting with the conversion of the Turks in the eighth century. It traces the significant role they played in the spread of Islam, and the broad contributions to Islamic art, culture, and politics that occurred with the Seljukids and especially with the Ottomans. Examined in detail are the ways in which the whole of the Balkans in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa came under the Ottomans' rule, and how they managed to hold Muslims and non-Muslims together in one empire for six centuries. The course also documents the interaction of nationalism and Islam in the War of Independence and in the creation of modern Turkey under Kemal Atatürk. This course thus aims to provide an understanding of Islam's impact on Turkish history, culture, politics and identity. 

 With this course students would: 

• Develop and extend their knowledge and understanding of Islam in the past and present societies and specifically as it is practiced in Modern Turkey.
• Become familiar with research methods in Ottoman and Turkish Studies.
• Become acquainted with the sources on Ottoman and Turkish History and politics and be able to examine them critically.

 1 x Major Essay                           60%

 1 x 3 Hr final exam                       40%

1. Ahmad, Feroz: Turkey: The Quest for Identity, Oxford: Oneworld 2003.

2. Gerber, Haim: State, Society, and Law in Islam: Ottoman Law in Comparative Perspective, New York: State University of New York Press 1994.

3. Hanio�?lu, M. �?ükrü: A Brief History of Late Ottoman Empire, Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press 2008,

4. Imber, Colin: Studies in Ottoman History and Law, Istanbul: The ISIS Press 1996.