HIST 437-ACHM 537
Europe and the Ottoman Empire: Cultural Encounters through the Centuries
Fall 2009 Tuesday and Thursday 14.00-15:15 (CAS B34)
Instructor. Günsel Renda (professor of art history)
Office hours. Tuesday 13.00-14.00 Thursday 11:00-12:00
The course will discuss the interactions between the Ottoman world and Europe through the
centuries. The Ottoman political presence in Europe since the 15th century and its impact on
European culture will be the main theme defining ‘the image of the Turk’ in Europe shifting
with different political alliances and different economic interests. The second part of the
course will cover the changes in the Ottoman interest in the west starting in the 17th century
and the introduction of westernisms in technology, social life and the arts in the Ottoman
Empire in view of political and economic relations. These interactions will be illustrated by
works of literature,music and fine arts both in Europe and the Ottoman Empire. Visual
material will be used in the lectures.
Course requirements:
Mid-term: 35%
One major paper due at the end of the semester 20%
Final exam: 40%
Attendance 5%: Maximum attendance is recommended as the course is illustrated with visual
material.
Certain reading assignments and brief discussion sessions will be announced when necessary.
Week I: Sept. 29-Oct. 1
Introduction
Week II: Oct. 6-8
Ottoman Empire and Europe in the 15th century:: Mehmed II:and the Renaissance.
Week III: Oct. 13-15
Politics, Arts and Science in 15th and 16th century Europe. The Ottoman image in
Europe
Week IV: Oct. 20-22
The expansion of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. Europe in the 16th century.
Week V: Oct. 27
Suleyman the Magnificent and political alliances. New diplomatic and trade relations.
The image of the Turk in literature and the arts in Europe.
Week VI: Nov. 3-5
Ottoman interest in European science and technology in 16th century Europe. Cultural
elements borrowed by the Ottomans.
Week VII: Nov. 10-12
17th century in Europe and the Ottoman Empire. The increase in diplomatic relations
resulting in further cultural contacts .
Week VIII: Nov. 17-19
Nov. 17 European interest in the Ottoman Empire, the production of illustrated history
books and a new Turkish image appearing in European literature, music and the arts.
Nov. 19- Review
Week IX: Nov. 24Mid-term
Week X: Dec. 1-3
The Ottoman interest in European science and culture. Use of Western sources and
their impact on Ottoman literature and the arts
Week XI: Dec. 8-10
18th century: A new era in European and Ottoman history. Further increase in
diplomatic and commercial relations. Visits of Ottoman delegations to European
capitals and their impact on European art and culture.
Week XII: Dec.15-17
Westernization in the Ottoman Empire in technology and culture. Westernising
elements in architecture and the arts. European artists in the Ottoman Empire and their
impact on the cultural sphere.
Week XIII: Dec. 22-24
Further reforms in the beginning of the 19th century. The impact of institutionalized
westernization on Ottoman art and culture.
Week XIV: Dec. 29-31
Impact of Ottoman art and culture in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. The birth
of Orientalism in European art and architecture.
Week XV: Jan.5-7
Conclusions and Review
Main reading sources (will be distributed)
İnalcık, H. “Mutual Political and Cultural ınfluences between Europe and the Ottomans”,
Ottoman Civilization, Ed. H. İnalcık, G. Renda . Ministry of Culture and Tourism 1st. ed.
2002, 2nd. Ed. 2004. 1048-1089.
Renda, G., “Europe and the Ottomans. Interactions in Art”, Ottoman Civilization( the above
book), 1090-1121.
.
Further reading. (Certain chapters will be indicated when necessary)
Campbell, C. and Chong, A, Bellini and the East. Exhibition Catalogue, London, 2006
Coles, P., The Ottoman Impact on Europe, New York, 1968
Germaner, S. İnankur, Z., The Orientalists’ Istanbul, İstanbul 2002
Jardine, L., Brotton, J., Global Interests. Renaissance Art between East and West, New York,
2000
Göçek, F.M., East Encounters West. France and the Ottoman Empire in the Eighteenth
Century, New York-Oxford, 1987.
Hegyl, K., Zmanyi, V., The Ottoman Empire in Europe, Budapest, 1986.
Lewis, B., The Muslim Discovery of Europe, New York, 1982.
Shaw, S. Shaw, E., History of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Turkey , vol. II, Cambridge
Univ. Press, 1997
St. Clair,A.N., The Image of the Turk in Europe, New York Metropolitan Museum of Art,
1973.
The Sultans Portrait. Picturing the House of Ottoman, ( Necipoğlu, G., Raby, J., Majer, H.G.,
Meyer zur Capellen, Çağman, J, Bağcı, S., Mahir, B., İrepoğlu, G., Renda, G.), İstanbul,
2000.
Venice et l’Orient.828-1797. Exhibition Catalogue. Paris, 2006.