Suleiman the Magnificent

Suleiman the Magnificent, Ottoman sultan and ruler of an empire of 30 million people, stretching over three continents and embracing almost all knwon races and religions, dominated Europe for over half a century. Andre Clot's account is a portrait of this complex figure and of the Ottoman empire at its apogee. Aided by his grand viziers, Suleiman the Law-giver (as he is known to the Turks) set up a remarkable administration, developed a flourishing economy and made Istanbul the greatest and most cosmopolitan city in the world. Based not only on a selection of European sources, but also on modern Turkish studies, this book views Sulaiman's career both within a European framework and from an ottoman point of view. There are chapters on social and economic history, city and country life and the interply of intellectual and religious currents. The 16 appendices cover topics as diverse as the Turkish bath, the Dervish orders, the Janissaries, the career of the Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmet Pasha, and Islam and painting.