This book is part of “The Greenwood Histories of the Modern Nations” and was written by Douglas A. Howard. This is the second Turkish history book I’ve reviewed. I think the first, “Turkey Unveiled,” is more colorful that the usual history book; the authors admit they are in love with the country. This book is more of what you would expect from a “nuts and bolts” history book, and it has some useful features. There is a quite useful timeline of historical events in the front of the book. There is a glossary of terms in the back that I found quite useful. All in all, I don’t think you could go wrong with reading either this book or “Turkey Unveiled” if you are interested in the country or want to learn about the country in preparation for a visit. Continue reading
Category Archives: Ottoman Empire
Turkey Unveiled, A History of Modern Turkey
The early parts of this book by Nicole and Hugh Pope are quite engaging. Turkey is described as a very popular tourist destination, and one couple we know said it was their favorite of several stops on their recent cruise. I recommend the book for people either interested in the country or who intend to visit. I challenge anyone to read the first page and not be intrigued. The authors say, “We still find it hard to pin down precisely when we fell in love with Turkey.” They then go through a list of endearing moments such as when a “…mustachioed fierce Turk’s face melted into an open and loving smile at the sight of a small baby.” Another is about the taxi driver who was a complete stranger but offered a loan to travelers finding themselves with no money at the end of a long ride. Other moments are not as comforting. A Turkish soldier who had gone out of his way to help strangers on a rainy night proudly said he was in charge of his unit’s torture section. There are other references to the reputation for brutality. The movie Midnight Express about the horrors experienced by an American in Turkish prisons after being arrested trying to smuggle drugs is a lasting contributor to the negative image of the country. Continue reading
Great Empires, An Illustrated Atlas
I found this National Geographic book in the local library while searching for information about the Ottoman Empire. I read only that chapter and the one titled “Byzantium and the Arab World.” I did thumb through to look at the many colorful pictures and illustrations. The book presents a high level overview and often with little explanation. My interests in learning more about the Ottoman Empire were frustrated by the closing sentence that the “…once great empire had lost its way. But from its wreckage emerged a new nation, Turkey…” Nothing more is provided to explain what happened except for the closing lines that “…a democratic society that reached out to its old foes in Europe and forged close bonds with the West.” There is no mention of the fascinating story of how Mustafa Kemal and his supporters succeeded at ending the Empire to make the new country called Turkey. Continue reading
Atatürk, The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey
This book by Andrew Mango intimidated me when I found it in the library. It has over 500 pages of text and is sprinkled with italicized Turkish words and the names of Turk personalities. It looked difficult to read, but I checked it out anyway. I ended the review of the book “Shadow of the Sultan’s Realm” posted last week with the quote, “How Kemal guided the transformation of the Turkish nation is one of the most fascinating stories of the twentieth century—but that is…a story for another time.” I wrote that I couldn’t wait to read that story. I therefore worked my way through a long and difficult book, and I’m glad I did. Continue reading
Shadow of the Sultan’s Realm
The subtitle of this book written by Daniel Allen Butler is “The Destruction of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East.” I found this book to be absolutely fascinating. The book is only 235 pages long before you reach the Author’s Notes, and perhaps that isn’t enough space for an accurate description of an empire that lasted more than six centuries. However, I found the book informative and interesting.
The Ottoman Empire thrived, prospered, and expanded for several centuries What most people know about it relates to the decision of the politicians in the Empire to join with Germany in the Great War, which provided the Empire no apparent advantages, and had tremendous impact on history of the region and the world. This book, if it is nothing else, should be a primer about how arrogance and ignorance of national leaders can create misery and sacrifice of life for soldiers who have little invested except for loyalty to their countries and fellow soldiers. Continue reading