The Ottomans: Empire of Faith

The Ottoman Empire was remarkably long-lived and successful; it emerged in the late 13th century as the Ottoman Turkish state on the frontier between the Islamic and Christian worlds, ending with the abolition of its caliphate after the empire's disastrous part in the First World War. As a result, this book includes the history of a major part of the 'Old World'; across a period of more than six centuries. It studies the history of the Ottoman Empire, its relationship with its neighbours, and the empire as a channel through which ideas flowed, accompanied by abundant maps, photographs and illustrations of art, artifacts and locations.

Cultural aspects, ranging from architecture down to lesser-known fields of Ottoman literature and miniature painting are given prominence within each historical period. From seemingly catastrophic events like the Ottomans' defeat at the hands of Timur (Tamerlane) and the Mongols, to the peak of the empire under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, The Ottomans: Empire of Faith details the whole story.

Dr David Nicolle has written numerous books, both academic and for the general reader, on various aspects of Islamic and medieval history. He has contributed articles to many academic journals and specialist encyclopedias, and has presented papers at various scientific and historical conferences.