Connections and Questions to Consider | 327- Debate the centrality of dynastic politics in the formation of an Ottoman
cultural and religious world. - Assume that you want to become a Sufi shaykh in the early modern Otto-
man world. What is the most essential element or tool you would need?
Chapter
Chapter 7, together with chapters 12, 13, and 16, explores the construction of an
Ottoman Muslim identity. Chapter 7 also connects well with chapters 1 and 6,
since they all examine the nature of the Ottoman religious establishment and its
changes over time.
- In what ways were Muslim and Christian confessionalization similar across
early modern Ottoman, Safavid, and European realms? - How did Ibn-i Kemal help delineate what has been described as an Ottoman
Islam?
Chapter
Chapter 8 connects well with chapters 9 and 10, which all analyze the process of
Ottomanizing formerly Mamluk cities after Sultan Selim I’s conquest. Chapters
2 and 8 discuss the nature of frontier society when regions are between powerful
neighbors. Chapters 2, 8, and 9 all examine the influence of frontiers on the iden-
tity of places and people. Chapters 8 and 6 explore the fate of those who failed to
be recognized as fully Ottoman for religious or political reasons.
- How would you describe the balance between retaining regional autonomy
and submitting to imperial controls as this balance evolved after Aintab
province’s entry into the Ottoman Empire? - What is your opinion on using local legends as a source for studying history?
Chapter
Chapter 9, together with chapters 8 and 10, explores how former Mamluk cities
were Ottomanized after their conquest by Sultan Selim I. It also fits with chapter
6, which analyzes how territories that were already Muslim were incorporated
into the Ottoman domains. Chapters 2, 8, and 9 all examine the influence of
frontiers on the identity of places and people. Chapters 9 and 11 describe Otto-
manizing a city through the construction of mosques and other structures under
the patronage of women of the dynasty.
- What does it mean to conquer a place?
- Why was the spiritual status of Jerusalem political?