Top 10 Books: The Ottoman Empire

1. Constantinople by Philip Mansel

There is a dearth of introductory volumes on the Ottoman Empire, but I feel this book is suitable for both the casual and serious reader. A history of both Constantinople (now called Istanbul) and the Ottoman's ruling family, from the Empire's founding until the end, Mansel's text also contains information on the empire as a whole in a catchy, event packed, book.

2. The Ottoman Empire: 1300 -1600 by Inalcik Halil

Halil is one of our foremost experts on the Ottoman Empire, and this book has been informed by meticulous research. Examining most aspects of life and culture, including politics, religion and tradition, this volume is short, but too dry in style for some readers; of course, the quality of the information far outweighs any struggle with the text.

3. An Economic and Social History of the Ottoman Empire 1300 - 1914

Originally available only in one large volume, but now also published as two paperbacks, this book is crucial for any remotely serious study of the Ottoman Empire. Fascinating information, great detail and quality referencing have made this one of my most treasured texts. However, the tone is serious and dry, while the material is certainly a little specialised.

4. Ottoman Warfare, 1500-1700 by Rhoads Murphey

Ottoman forces clashed with many European nations in early modern Europe, gaining a reputation as fierce and effective warriors. Rhoads Murphey presents an examination of the Ottoman armies and their style of warfare along all borders.

5. The Ottoman Empire and Early Modern Europe by Daniel Goffman

Goffman examines the Ottoman Empire and its place within Europe, tackling the many inter-relationships between what people have traditionally perceived as two separate units. In doing so, the book dismantles the myth of the Ottomans as an 'alien' culture, or of Europe as 'superior'. (This book has yet to be released, but can be pre-ordered.)

6. The End of the Ottoman Empire, 1908-1923 by A.L. Macfie

So many countries emerged from the Ottoman Empire's collapse, including Lebanon and Iraq, that knowledge of the events is relevant to understanding our present, as well as Ottoman past. Macfie's book examines the background to, and causes of, the breakup, including World War One; information on the Balkans is included.

7. The Great Powers and the End of the Ottoman Empire by edited by Marian Kent

A collection of essays examining the key question of how far the Ottoman Empire collapsed because of internal problems, and how far Europe's 'Great Powers' contributed. Most of the essays take '***** and the end of the Ottoman Empire' for a title, substituting the asterisks for, among others, Germany, Russia, Britain and France. Interesting, but specific, reading.

8. Suleyman the Magnificent and His Age: The Ottoman Empire

A collection of essays relating to the Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth century, this book uses an exploration of the larger political and international effects of Suleyman as a theme; it also includes David, Geza's 'Administration in Ottoman Europe', which may be of use to some of you. A competitively priced paperback version is available.

9. The Well-Protected Domains by Selim Deringil

A fascinating study of the changing structure and nature of the Ottoman State, The Well-Protected Domains includes sections comparing the empire with Imperial units such as Russia and Japan. Details on ceremony, architecture and other cultural elements are integral to what is a largely specialised work.

10. The Ottoman Empire, 1700-1922 by Donald Quataert

A compact, but valuable, volume exploring the key trends which affected the later Ottoman Empire, including topics such as social structures, international relations and war. However, the themes aren't aimed at lower level students, or someone needing an introduction, so this is best read later on in a study.