Beyond the Sublime Porte - Couverture rigide

Miller, Barnette

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0404043291 ISBN 13 : 9780404043292

Editeur : Ams Pr Inc, 1979

Synopsis

Main part follows the construction of the Seraglio, from its origins down to the time when it was abandoned by the sultans. The contention that one plan, that of Mohammed II, prevailed from the 15th century onward throughout centuries of reparation, addition, and restoration, is an original view. Although the book does not aim at reproducing and reconstructing the Seraglio architecturally, the bulk of the material deals with the various edifices which constitute the Seraglio as a whole. Yet Professor Miller traces the influences, ideas and moods, which dominate the political ideals of this central institution, through all the architectural additions and changes, and the human elements which directed them. The gradual seclusion of majesty and of women, the eunuch and guard system with all its implied social intricacies, pomp, and richness, the sense of relentless power and authority - a combination of Byzantine, Persian, and Roman ideas of power - are all there. One sees in passing the simple and democratic Turkish ruler of the Brusa period being transformed into the Great Emperor of the Near East. In relation to each edifice the Author observes the merits and the horrors of the ruling institution. From the scenes of political execution she passes to the episodes of love, birth, and filial affection, with equal historical accuracy. Although the book is a scholarly attempt to reconstruct the external form of the Seraglio as it used to be, it makes one realize how much the psychology of human beings, even of rulers, is expressed in and bound up with the forms and arrangements of their habitations. The most important part of the book, for those who are interested in political theories worked out through an educational system, is the chapter on the Palace school. The early excellence of the Ottoman civil service and army has been frequently attributed to the educational system of the palace, often only vaguely and always very briefly described by earlier writers.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Ams Pr Inc
• Date d'édition: 1979
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0404043291
• ISBN 13: 9780404043292
• Reliure: Relié
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible