Sometime around 1630, a scholar, clergyman and artist, son of a court jeweller, had a dream. In his dream, Evliya Çelebi (1611-1682) met Muhammed and other prophets of Islam, and in his excitement, asked for travel rather than blessings. The Prophet, in his wisdom, granted both. Over the next 40 years, Çelebi would devote himself… Continue reading A Restless Soul: The Wandering of Evliya Çelebi
Our recent article, “The Ottoman Empire: A European History,” sparked a lively online debate, drawing criticism from those who view Ottoman history as something “far removed” from Europe. We selected six myths encountered in the comments or circulating online in discussions of the Ottoman Empire, and asked cultural anthropologist Jeremy F. Walton—who coordinates the ERC… Continue reading Six Myths About the Ottoman Empire
In the South of Germany, nestled within the mountainous Black Forest, flow two small streams: Brigach and Breg. Their names may not ring a bell, but the river they give life to just a few kilometres downstream certainly will: the Danube. Europe’s longest waterway winds through ten countries before emptying into the Black Sea. Since… Continue reading From Istanbul to the Alps: the journey of a window along the Danube
