The Ottoman Empire and the world around it - Faroqhi, Suraiya (I.B. Tauris, 2004)
Includes bibliographical references (pages 220-262) and index
1. Introduction; 2. On sovereignty and subjects: expanding and safeguarding the Empire; 3. At the margins of empire: clients and dependants; 4. The strengths and weaknesses of Ottoman warfare; 5. Of prisoners, slaves and the charity of strangers; 6. Trade and foreigners; 7. Relating to pilgrims and offering mediation; 8. Sources of information on the outside world; 9. Conclusion
In Islamic law the world was made up of the House of Islam and the House of War with the Ottoman Sultan - the perceived successor to the Caliphs - supreme ruler of the Islamic world. However, Suraiya Faroqhi demonstrates that there was no iron curtain between the Ottoman and other worlds but rather a long-established network of diplomatic, financial, cultural and religious connections. These extended to the empires of Asia and the modern states of Europe. Faroqhi's book is based on a huge study of original and early modern sources, including diplomatic records, travel and geographical writing, as well as personal accounts. -- Publisher description