Religion, Ideology, and Geopolitics from the Ottoman Empire to Modern Turkey

Specific Foundation

Learning Outcomes The primary objective of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive introductory understanding of Late Ottoman History at multiple levels, enabling them to grasp the significance of this crucial historical period. Through the course, students will become familiar with the periodization, the major turning points and landmark events of Late Ottoman History, as well as a wide range of issues that have preoccupied and continue to influence historiographical inquiry and geopolitical analysis related to the subject. More Specifically, Upon Completion of the Course, Students Will Be Able To: -Understand the historical context of Ottoman history during the 19th and 20th centuries, with particular emphasis on social and economic issues, as well as the everyday lives of people. The position of the Ottoman Empire within the broader Near and Middle Eastern region influenced the historical developments of all the peoples in the Balkans and Asia. Within this framework, it is essential to analyze the empire’s overall structure—from the life and organization of religious communities to the administrative organization of the state. As such, the course constitutes a vast field of research and discussion. -Recognize that the Ottomans, in terms of state organization, political structure, and legislation, were the heirs to the institutional foundations laid by the empires that preceded them in the same territories. -Acquire knowledge—primarily through the use of contemporary sources and modern scholarly literature organized into thematic units—on topics such as the formation of political power, the organization of space and time, productive activities, and the distinctions between center and periphery. -Demonstrate knowledge of the key turning points and major events in Ottoman history, as well as central issues that emerged and challenged the empire. Students will also be expected to understand how these issues were addressed in various contexts, including society, the economy, politics, communal organization, religion, and more. -Study the main sources of the Late Ottoman period, including historiographical texts, travel literature, and other relevant materials. -Develop the ability to become familiar with and utilize key reference works and handbooks related to the study of Late Ottoman history.

- The modernization of the Ottoman Empire, otherwise a need for survival. - Selim III and Mahmud II, from military to administrative and political modernization. - Geopolitical dimensions of the Eastern Question. - The integration of the Ottoman Empire into the new economic and political environment of Europe. - Geopolitical dimensions of the Russo-Turkish wars and European involvement. - Germany, the new geopolitical choice of the Ottoman Empire. - Abdulhamid II (1876-1909), the sultan who gave his name to an era. - The pan-Islamist ideas of Abdulhamid II, geopolitical use of religion. - Nationalism as a geopolitical dimension in the Ottoman Empire. - The Young Turk movement (1908). - World War I, the Young Turk alliances and the collapse. - New geopolitical balances (1919-1922). - Mustafa Kemal, reforms and reactions.

EASTERN QUESTION, REFORMS, TANZIMAT, RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES, RUSSO-TURKISH WARS, HAMIDEAN ERA, YOUNG TURKS, KEMALIST MOVEMENT

21-09-2025