As a scholar specialized in the field of premodern Ottoman history, for the past few years, I have been working on a new book project which focuses on the myriad networks of power and different forms of patronage relations among the Ottoman ruling elite between the 1570s and the 1640s. In this talk, I will briefly present the general framework of my project as well as discuss what kind of challenges I have been facing in exploring this particular topic, such as the lack of extensive biographical studies about the Ottoman ruling elite of the period, the need for a better conceptual toolbox in analyzing the crises and transformations that took place within the institutional power structures of the Ottoman imperial court from the 1580s onwards, and the application of digital humanities’ cutting-edge technologies and methods in tabulating and processing the historical information found in numerous relevant archival and narrative sources.
Join the Zoom here.
This presentation is a part of a new series of events – the CEMS Research Seminar – which will be informal, lunchtime gatherings at which CEMS members present their current or recent research in a friendly, low-stakes environment. The presentations will be brief (15-20mins) and ample time will be left for discussion. The idea is to become more familiar with one another’s research and encourage conversations within CEMS. In this way, we hope to strengthen the internal community and benefit from the excellent scholarship in which our colleagues are engaged.