This is the Department of History Annual Lecture in Ottoman and Turkish History.
How present was the notion of equality in Ottoman political culture and social practice during the era of reforms and modernization? Even a cursory glance at contemporary sources shows that the term was only rarely used, contrary to frequent references to justice as a driving ethical and social principle. An investigation into the factors behind these choices reveals some fundamental differences between the tradition of a plural empire and the principles governing the Western powers that were pushing it towards equality. It may also explain the resilience of a political culture responsible for Turkey’s constant struggle with democracy.
Prof. Edhem Eldem is currently the Sabancı Visiting Professor at the Department of History, Columbia University. He was the International Chair of Turkish and Ottoman History at the Collège de France (2017-22).