Osman to Ataturk - 1955
Osman to Ataturk - 19557/8/24From Osman Gazi̇ To Atatürk: Historical Panorama Of 600 Years by Reşad Ekrem KoçaThe book "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Atatürk" is a comprehensive study of the Ottoman Army's evolution and its significant impact on the history of the Middle East and Europe. Written by a Turkish scholar, this work aims to provide a revisionist perspective by using Turkish interpretations and previously untapped Ottoman source materials.Key points covered in the book include:- The development of the Ottoman Army from its nomadic origins to a dominant military force from 1300 to the mid-1700s.- The army's role in military institutions, organizational structures, technology, and tactics.- The decline of the Ottoman Army and its transformations to remain a considerable force until 1918.- The impact of important commanders and the role of politics on the army.- The legacy of the Ottoman Army and its influence on the modern Turkish Army and the Republic of Turkey.The book is divided into distinct periods, starting with the establishment of the Ottoman Empire and the military systems that shaped its early patterns. It highlights significant events such as the siege of Constantinople in 1453 and the subsequent dominance of the Ottoman Army. The study also examines the reforms and transformations initiated by successive Sultans to preserve the army until the Ottoman-Russian War in 1876 and the eventual emergence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as the leader of a unified national state in 1923[1][2].The author: Reşad Ekrem Koçu (1905-1975) was a prominent Turkish historian, writer, and researcher best known for his extensive work on Istanbul's history and culture[1][2][5].Koçu's most significant contribution was the creation of the "Istanbul Encyclopedia" (İstanbul Ansiklopedisi), a monumental project aimed at documenting the city's rich history, culture, and urban life[1][3]. This encyclopedic work was a labor of love that Koçu dedicated much of his life to, managing to publish 11 volumes covering entries up to the letter "G" during his lifetime[3].As a historian and writer, Koçu had a unique approach to documenting Istanbul's past. He was particularly interested in capturing the lesser-known aspects of the city's history, including its "lowlives" and marginalized communities[3]. His work often included unconventional topics and anecdotes that were typically overlooked in traditional historical accounts, making his writings both informative and engaging[1][3].Koçu's expertise extended beyond the Istanbul Encyclopedia. He authored numerous books on various aspects of Turkish history and culture. One such work is "Patrona Halil," a book about a historical figure from the Ottoman Empire[5].The impact of Koçu's work continues to be recognized today. His Istanbul Encyclopedia is considered a valuable resource for understanding 19th and 20th century Istanbul from a unique perspective[3]. In 2023, an exhibition titled "No Further Records: Reşad Ekrem Koçu and Istanbul Encyclopedia Archive" was organized to showcase the unpublished sections of his encyclopedia and highlight his contributions to Istanbul's historiography[3].Source: Perplexity.aiCurated by Gabrielle Ly
