From Empire to Republic

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of Halil İnalcık’s pivotal contributions to Ottoman social history and the birth of modern Turkey, blending rigorous scholarship with extensive archival research.

In its first section, the book examines the foundational pillars of the Ottoman political and social system, exploring land tenure, the çift-hane (family-farm) unit, and the vital tahrir registers. It then turns to the diverse non-Muslim populations under Ottoman rule, uncovering the legal autonomy granted to the Greek Orthodox Church, and the unique conditions that enabled the settlement of Sephardic Jews within the empire. İnalcık also traces the profound Turkish influence on the evolution of modern Europe, alongside a nuanced examination of the shifting dynamics of power between the sultan and emerging political centers.

The second section addresses the crucial transition from empire to republic, shedding light on Turkey’s pivotal position between Europe and the Middle East. İnalcık’s examination of the abolition of the Caliphate in 1924, juxtaposed with Atatürk’s sweeping reforms, illuminates key moments in the birth of the modern Turkish state, showcasing İnalcık’s indispensable role in understanding this historical transformation.

“From Empire to Republic” stands as an essential resource for both professional historians and avid history enthusiasts, offering deep insights into the complex forces shaping Turkey’s past and present.