A Social History of Ottoman Istanbul - Book Report/Review Example

Book Review Using bounty of modern Ottoman sourcesthe book ‘A Social History of Ottoman Istanbul’ by Ebru Boyar and Kate Fleet reproduce the social history of Istanbul, an enormous, cosmopolitan metropolis and imperial capital of the Ottoman Empire. Thrown of the Sultan and a sumptuous international establishment, Istanbul was also a city of brutally disturbed regularly by natural disasters and by the commotion of politics of sultans and vicious mutiny. The people of the empire who were amused by the sovereign festivals and were look after by the exceptional pious foundations which touched upon every angle and aspect of their lives, also entertained themselves by using a great number of pleasure gardens and numerous public baths of the city. Although the book seems to be focused upon Istanbul, it illustrates an encyclopedic painting of the Ottoman community/society, how it was designed and how it builds and transfigured across four centuries, that is in 470 years. As such, this context is able to propound an exhilarating substitute to the more traditional histories of the Ottoman Empire. For instance, the book is able to supply a detailed and intensive chronology, maps, drawings and also brief and concise memoir of main protagonists. In addition to this, the depiction of Ottoman histories is very alluring and engaging. Boyar and Fleet portrays Istanbul to be a beautiful and magnificent city, despite of the wars, battles and conflictsgoing on in the empire and continuous change of government along with their symbolic figures and the violence and distortion they brought and took away with them, respectively. Similarly, my opinion and statement also back up this positive illustration by the author of the capital city of the Ottoman Empire. Chapter 4, 5, 6 and 7 are these particular topics which will support my thesis of this book, which is that in between the era of criminal activities, sexual violence, ethnic and social complications and natural disasters, the inhabitants of Istanbul were able to have access to welfare and were able to help their selves to obtain the desired needs and wants and were skillful enough to locate entertainment and fun in midst of aforementioned situations. Rounding out the bleak image of Istanbul city, the authors talk about the welfare institution existing at that time, vakif– pious foundation. This institution was religious one and was functioned to offer guarantee for material conditions, well-being of many of the citizens and developing the city economically. How this institution played a significant role in the lives of people of the cityand how does this further support my thesis which is matching to that of the writer, is explained below. For many residents Vakif was a cradle – to – grave place because a man could be born in that house , sleep in its cradle, eat and drink form this house, read in its libraries, teach in the school based there, take wages from and pay wages to Vakif, when the person dies he/she can be buried in its grave. It was this same center which fed, dressed, educated, houses, washed and gave medical treatment and medicine cures to the greater population. Vakifwas the sole foundation which enabled local citizens to have a cheerful disaster and a place to crash in when disaster used to strike. Apart from providing with these basic services of live, this establishment was also accountable for providing residents with mosque, school for religious teaching and carrying out those religious practices. Furthermore, if one wanted gain to a recreational activities or get hold of fund, Vakif was the place to visit, which also supplied places for shopping.Along with this, charitable works were also carried out. Moving towards the next dilemma, this is discussed in chapter five of this book, by the name of ‘The Consuming City”.Above all the charitable and religious offering, the city of Istanbul was recognized for its market, since it was a metropolitan, cosmopolitan, city of commerce opulent international emporium, where buyers and sellers of the whole world meet. International markets of China, Russia, Africa, India, England and any more used to travel to this city to conduct their businesses. Goods of highest and finest quality were readily available in the markets of Istanbul.To pearls, to silk, to swords to spices you name it, everything can be found in exquisite condition and quality, as the book says “These rich and graceful markets, whose greatness reflected that of the city itself, afforded every luxury, from spices and slaves and the richest, most bejeweled cloth imaginable, to armor and horse trappings, in short, ‘all things a man can desire”.Not only these markets provide necessities, but wants of riches and wealthy could also be easily met in here, so rich and extensive the place was. The sixth chapter, ‘Outing and Excursion’ depicts how the people of the great city entertained themselves. This included strolls in the gardens and viewing others enjoying, feasting, boating and relaxing in fresh and spacious atmosphere. Moreover, in the month of Ramadan, people used to head out of their houses in the nights and enjoy the glittering, lively and starry nights. Women used t visit their friends, family and relatives and used to take part in the festivals. Likewise, in the proceeding chapter, description of Hamam(washing place)is given where men and women both can carry out important ritual of their lives, cleanse them in a way they want and was equivalent of a modern spa or beauty salon. The above details are backbone of my thesis on this book, which as I have mentioned before is similar to that of the writer. Although, the city was going through a hard times and was facing numerous disaster conditions one after one, the refreshing ‘tools’ were not missed on the inhabitants of Istanbul. All in all, I do agree with the authors that the people of Istanbul, the capital city of Ottoman Empire, were able to enjoy some very positive and extravagant conditions that were emerging from a very negative epoch. Read More