Book Review: The Ottomans a Cultural Legacy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37134/munsyi.vol3.2.6.2025Keywords:
Harem, Millet System, Ottoman, Religious Tolerance, WomenAbstract
The Ottomans: A Cultural Legacy by Diana Darke presents the Ottoman as a multidimensional civilization, encompassing political, administrative, cultural, intellectual, scientific, and everyday life practices. Darke challenges conventional portrayals of the Ottomans as rigid and militaristic, highlighting the experiences of both Muslims and non-Muslims within a diverse and inclusive society. While the book advances striking arguments, this review focuses specifically on issues related to religious tolerance and the status of women. This paper suggests that Darke does not fully examine the influence of Islamic principles as a foundational element shaping the Ottoman prior to the nineteenth century. The overlooks on the role of Islamic principles in governance and the formation of the cosmopolitan character of the Ottoman state, reduces the depth of its historical analysis. Despite this limitation, the book offers a compelling reinterpretation of Ottoman history from a fresh perspective. Overall, the book underscores that openness and engagement with diversity were essential for sustaining social welfare and communal harmony, offering valuable insights for contemporary plural societies.
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