10 Ottoman Myths Debunked with Dr Yakoob Ahmed

There is a growing interest in Ottoman history. This has come from a recognition that an understanding of our Islamic history is necessary to carve our common Islamic future. But then the question arises, who writes this history? How do we know whether Ottoman historians, East and West, are purveyors of an orientalist narrative, slanted to match political interests? To untangle the facts from fiction, we have invited Dr Yakoob Ahmed who is an academic specialising in late Ottoman history. He is a PhD graduate of the School of Oriental and African Studies and currently teaches Islamic history at Istanbul University. He is in the process of completing his first book on the late Ottoman ulema, to be published next year. Please consider making a donation, however small, to The Thinking Muslim, to receive a share in the reward and to help us make a greater impact. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/Donate⁠⁠ As always, you can comment your thoughts below. Find us on: Twitter:   / thinking_muslim   Facebook:   / the-thinking-muslim-podcast-105790781361490   Instagram:   / thinkingmuslimpodcast   Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim Host:   / jalalayn   Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com #TheThinkingMuslimPodcast The Thinking Muslim Podcast Episode 104 00:00 - Introduction 03:29 - Asking the Wrong Questions 06:00 - Western Assumptions 10:32 - Arab Nationalism 13:18 - Industrialisation 16:38 - Arab Narratives 24:32 - Decline of Ottomans 27:52 - The Printing Press! 33:50 - Literacy 37:20 - Coffee 43:00 - Persecution of Arabs 48:00 - Devshirme/Slavery 54:04 - Forced Conversion 55:30 - Decline 58:50 - Converting Non-Muslims 1:05:21 - Millet System 1:08:34 - A Real Caliphate? 1:13:24 - The Adab Culture 1:19:40 - Empire? 1:24:46 - Ottoman Golden Age? 1:31:00 - Alternative Questions 1:34:16 - WW1 & Ottoman Survival 1:39:48 - Missing Britain?