Ottoman Empire

Ottoman Empire

Introduction

With reference to history that we witness and refer to today, the Ottoman Empire tends to make way for the purpose and objective of identifying the rich culture, history and civilization of the Muslim Caliphate, which paved way to rule a major portion of the world for almost six centuries. The Ottoman Empire narrates and portrays a grave culture palette, along with a strong footing towards religious practices that have inspired many at that time. Not only this, the Ottoman Empire intended to work its way by joining forces and creating a strong, closely-knit alliance with Germany and Austria (the Superpowers of that time) during the reign of World War I (1914-1918), but unfortunately since betrayal was a key trait at that time, the entire alliance collapsed and broke down.

Discussion

A new paper shows 18th- and 19th-century Ottoman rulers decriminalised homosexuality and promoted women's education. Pro-secular demonstrators in Istanbul carry a portrait of modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Hardline Muslim groups often portray the Ottoman empire as a magic template for a global caliphate. This is then used as a springboard for grandiose arguments that paint a caliphate as viable, and deem it as the only credible model of governance for the future. These arguments are based on a belief that the empire adhered to a single interpretation of Shariah (Islamic law) for over 600 years, and - crucially - that its success was contingent on this.

Ottoman sultans, or caliphs, in the 18th and 19th centuries launched secular schools and promoted the education of women. The period of reformation known as the Tanzimat saw customary and religious laws being replaced in favor of secular European ones. More surprisingly, homosexuality was decriminalized in 1858 (long before many western states took their cue, and over a century before the American Psychiatric Association declassified it as a mental illness in 1973). Contrary to the claims of hardline groups, religious authorities approved many of these measures.

In terms of broader social change, the Ottomans made strong attempts to integrate non-Muslim communities. On the cultural front, it is well known that a minority of people claim that Islam frowns upon artistic expression. However, the last sultan/caliph, Abdulmecid Efendi (1922-1924) has numerous paintings on display in Istanbul's new museum of modern art; many others were also keen musicians and played a variety of musical instruments. It is therefore clear that the sultan/caliphs enunciated a progressive vision for a secular Muslim society, many years before al-Qaida and similar groups came into existence.

For those who dismiss President Ataturk's vision as an anomaly, this reconsideration of their history must come as a nasty shock.

The purpose of Hussain's paper is to encourage people who carry the baton for totalitarian ideologies - including those who are inspired by Anwar al-Awlaki - to think again. The recent deaths of al-Awlaki and his demagogue Osama bin Laden only mean that part of the battle is won.

The other part of the battle is ideological, and this paper boldly leads the way by challenging ...