The course focuses both on the changes to be observed in Ottoman administrative structures from the middle period of the Ottoman empire (17th cen.) onwards and on the consequences for economy and society of such changes. The weakening of the Sultan’s institutional power and the emergence of çiftlik land ownership, the implementation of Tanzimat reforms are some of the issues discussed in the course. In addition, the course analyses aspects of social and economic questions of the 19th century and the matter of how far the Ottoman empire enjoyed access to the new industrial era.
Lecture topics
1) Introduction: The start of Ottoman Territorial Losses in 17th c.
2) The emergence and evolution of the Eastern Question.
3) The decline of the timar system.
4) The first attempts at reform.
5) The abolition of the Janissary corps.
6) The Tanzimat reforms and their results.
7) Modernity in the Ottoman Empire.
8) Foreign loans, public dept and state finances.
9) The bankruptcy of the Ottoman Empire and the intervention of the Western Powers.
10) Politics in the second half of the 19th century.
11) Conflict among nationalisms in the Balkans.
12) Passing to the 20th century: New activist ideologies of the Ottomans.
13) The final stage: Defeat of the Ottoman Empire: the Balkan Wars, World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire.
Panagi Tsaldari 1
Komotini, 69100
Τel: 25310-39462
Fax: 25310-39483
Email: secr@he.duth.gr