The Ottomans

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOLFSON HISTORY PRIZE

A SUNDAY TIMES PAPERBACK OF THE YEAR

'Magnificent . . . Important and hugely readable' - William Dalrymple, Financial Times

'A wildly ambitious and entertainingly lurid history' - James Barr, The Times

'A panoramic and thought-provoking account' - Guardian

'A winning portrait of seven centuries of empire, teeming with life and colour' - Sunday Times

'Superb, gripping and refreshing' - Simon Sebag Montefiore

'Sweeping, colourful, and rich in extraordinary characters' - Tom Holland

The Ottomans by Marc David Baer presents a groundbreaking historical narrative that vividly recounts the rise and endurance of the Ottoman Empire, offering an extraordinary exploration of a unique civilisation that bridged Eastern and Western worlds. This richly detailed chronicle takes readers through the multiethnic, multilingual, and multireligious landscape of an empire often misunderstood as the binary opposite of Christian Europe.

Baer meticulously outlines the empire's evolution from a small principality in Anatolia to one of the most formidable and diverse realms in history. Delving into the complex tapestry of influences that shaped the Ottoman state, Baer highlights their Turkish, Mongolian, Islamic, and Byzantine heritage, revealing how these elements amalgamated to create a unique sociopolitical and cultural entity.

The Ottomans challenges and redefines the conventional Western perspectives on epochs such as the Renaissance, the Age of Exploration, and the Reformation. Baer argues that Ottoman contributions and interactions with European neighbours played a significant role in shaping these historical periods. By examining the empire's impact on a greater cultural and global scale, Baer offers insightful discourse into the pivotal moments and figures that steered the course of Ottoman history, from sultans and slaves to poets and painters.

This book is not merely a narrative of power and conquest but a vivid portrait of a dynamic society flourishing with artistic endeavours, intellectual pursuits, and vibrant exchanges. Through his compelling prose, Baer brings to life the tales of architectural wonders, monumental achievements in governance, and the daily experiences of ordinary people living under Ottoman rule.

In The Ottomans, Marc David Baer provides readers with a sweeping, colourful, and deeply engaging account of an empire that continues to resonate in contemporary discussions on culture, politics, and identity. This major new history reclaims the Ottoman legacy, reasserting its significance on the world stage and enriching our understanding of the past.