Essays
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Jean-Baptiste Vanmour’s “Recueil de cent estampes représentant différentes nations du Levant”: The Visual Construction of the East Through European Eyes
Explore Jean-Baptiste Vanmour's 1714 "Recueil de cent estampes," a groundbreaking engraving album that shaped European perceptions of the Ottoman world through 100 hand-colored plates of...
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An Iconographic Reading in Ottoman Miniature Art: The Portrait of “Mehmed the Conqueror Smelling a Rose” and the Symbolism of the Gül-i Muhammedî
In the portrait of Mehmed the Conqueror by Nakkaş Sinan Bey, does the rose he holds represent Prophet Muhammad or Islamic civilization? An iconographic reading...
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Roma in Ottoman Society: The Colors of Anatolia
The Ottoman Empire, with the diverse faiths, languages, ethnic origins, and cultures it encompassed over the centuries, built one of the most magnificent social mosaics...
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A Masterpiece from Word to Image: Siyer-i Nebi
Uncover the story of Siyer-i Nebi, the magnificent 1595 Ottoman manuscript depicting the life of Prophet Muhammad. Learn about its unique iconography, dispersed volumes, and...
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Istanbul’s Lost Star: Taqi al-Din and Dar al-Rasad al-Jadid
Discover the rise and tragic destruction of Taqi al-Din’s 16th-century Istanbul observatory—the pinnacle of Ottoman astronomy, advanced instruments, political intrigue, and a lost scientific revolution.
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Goethe’s Spiritual Journey East: Hafez, Islam, and the West-Eastern Divan
Explore how Goethe fled Napoleonic Europe through a mental Hegira to the East, found a twin in Persian poet Hafez, celebrated the Prophet Muhammad in...
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The Mi‘raj in Art and Music: Sultan Muhammad’s Cosmic Vortex and Beethoven’s Mystical Ascension
Explore the mystical Mi‘raj through the eyes of two geniuses: the dizzying golden vortex of Safavid miniaturist Sultan Muhammad and the ecstatic “Chorus of the...
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Ottoman Visual Witness: Matrakçı Nasuh and the Beyan-ı Menazil Miniatures
Explore the 16th-century topographic miniatures of Ottoman polymath Matrakçı Nasuh, who visually chronicled the Iraqayn campaign. Discover his unique “Matraki” style and the cities of...
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Turquerie: The 18th-Century European Craze for Ottoman Art, Fashion, and Music
Explore the Turquerie movement that captivated 18th-century Europe, turning Ottoman-inspired fashion, art, music, and coffee rituals into symbols of refinement. Discover how diplomatic visits, Lady...
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James Ellsworth De Kay’s Sketches of Turkey: An American Traveler Defying Orientalism and Philhellenism in 1830s Istanbul
Explore how American doctor James Ellsworth De Kay’s 1833 travelogue Sketches of Turkey challenged 19th-century Orientalism and Philhellenism, offering a unique portrait of Ottoman Istanbul...
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Rebuilding a Nation: “The Foundation of the Turkish Republic is Culture”
Explore how Atatürk’s dictum “the foundation of the Turkish Republic is culture” drove the nation’s transformation through language, history, art, education, and science. An in-depth...
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Osman Hamdi Bey: Bridging Archaeology and Art – The Renaissance Man of the Ottoman Empire
Explore how Osman Hamdi Bey, the Ottoman painter, archaeologist, and museum curator, masterfully blended art and archaeology to forge a unique cultural identity. Discover his...
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