The end of a Empire, and a Class.

And so both come to an end. Of course, ours ended a lot quieter than the Empire did; a large amount of guilt in WW1 and splitting up the Empire into Turkey and outlying nations was quite forceful, but those from Trukey have a long tradition. They're proud of their culture and exceptionally proud of those who have led them. The same can be said for our own country, despite it's own failings.

Over the classes, we have consistently made comparisons to the Ottoman Empire and America at this historical period, and I'm really starting to follow the resemblance now. It seems pretty clear to me now that Democracy within our country has very limited statutes but allows for the people to see what they want here, but we maintain a very rigid central power in our president, much like how the Ottomans had a Sultan. Add in increasing numbers of people to our population and a growing dispute over policy and we're seeing a very similar empire that experienced troubles before falling apart.

That being said on my opinion, I have enjoyed this class a great deal. I hope to keep in touch with some people here and continue to experience history in many different sources, and do more research in that regard.

(Week 5) Toakapi Palace

Being the largest palace in the Islamic/Muslim world which combined Byzantine and Middle East architecture, this palace stands out clearly. The most interesting thing I found out about the palace was the 6th century church that still stood within it's First Courtyard. Being a Christian church, I wonder how many people exactly came to worship amongst such an important center of Muslim cultural diffusion and trade, if any came at all.

Also, the mint was there as well. If all major coinage and printing of money happened there (which I assume it was not due to spreading of wealth in the empire.), wouldn't there have been invasions or attacks against it? Of course, I am assuming that an invading force could get that far, but if the facts of niches used for decapitated heads was true, it was certainly a way to drop morale against a structure meant to keep others from it's inner sanctum.

(Week 4) Imperial Institutions

In terms of the imperial household, it seems a lot of interest and political affairs were focused in areas like the gardens, where the major religious and political meetings took place. The harem was also important as a means of social development for the families that lived there, and was also quite competitive for the affections of the sultan, children and concubines alike.

Trade only seems to have taken place in full effect after the initial conquest of the Middle East and Rome's former conquests, once the Slik Road was secured. Both men and women as well were involved in trade, and made a great deal of money in precious metals, jewelry, and textiles.

(Post 3) Saulyman

(Professor, I'll be able to certainly get the blogwork done on this very limited system at the hospital, as well as post on other's blogs, but I cannot open the wiki with it. I will contact you again on the manner via Email. Anyway.).

Well he certainly made a name himself quite quicklu, notwithstanding all the other conquering thatwas going on at the time. But what a Empire to rule over- the immense vast amount of trade goods that one could allocate in and gain money from on The Balkans, spanning sea and the major land routes....but what touched upon me the most here was the connection tio his family on not just a peronal level, but a professional one. Getting married to Hurram- the first time a Sultan has done that, mind you- was astonishing culturally. It wasn't illegal, but people still turned their heads. Then as a political advisor and mother, Hurram certainly was a big part of his success perhaps even more than his eldest son and his children, who held the trusted tiltles of vizer.

(Week 2) The Opening Volley

Wow, that was a lot of information. The first thing I want to touch on is the Janissaries, and the level of what I would call disrespect in European History. These men were clearly better trained than the infantry of the early Middle Ages by leaps and bounds, considering their multiple-weapon training and strict disciplinary habits. Chivalry was an idealistic concept which failed primarily because only individuals could follow it. With the Ottoman Empire-a far more containable and long-lasting empire that consistently expanded throughout it's reign during the Middle Ages into the Enlightened Period- the military was practical and efficient, prepared offensively and defensively for assault. I wondered as to exactly the nature of their interest in food or the kettle; being a mainly Muslim force, they were restricted to many different foods. Was that one of the reasons? Also, the idea of maintaining the use of bows doesn't seem all that practical, when guns were becoming a major factor in military armanent.

"Cluture and Daily Life" in the Ottoman Empire seemed pretty easy-going compared to the rest of the world at the time. Although it seemed that the high-class certainly confused me the most by far, I grew used to the fact that they melded and maintained several of the conquered people's sturcture styles and culture, such as the Hagia Sophia or that simple conversion allowed the upper-class of their former nations to reclaim their superiority.

Entry 1: Why Study Ottoman History....It's pretty important, that's why!

Well, to have been expecting that European and American history books to keep out most of the interesting stuff about the Ottoman Empire was expected, but when they start leaving out that medical and cultural practices we now know from Europe came from Ottoman, that's just shocking. It sounds to me like the Ottoman Empire, up until the 1900's....or perhaps a little before that, if I'm reading right, was vital in trade and the arts, much less the amount of dedication they placed in their military practices and religious toleration to a degree.

The Janissaries interest me more for their militaristic achievements than their band-playing, though...not to say that was not interesting, because it was...but being so dedicated and well-organized to have music on the battlefield to prepare them, I wonder how their military tactics played a role.

Also, why were Jews and Christians still physically persecuted? If religious toleration was the credo, I would think that there was law enforcement to protect them and punish those who would persecute. A code of laws or their enforcement system would be interesting to delve into as research as well...I wonder if the Ottoman Empire was the start of the more heinous practices we hear about today in the Middle East. Of course, I think they are exaggerated, but at the same time, I think they are still used...and clearly effective methods.