Ottoman cosmopolitanism : practising unity in diversity

• Main Author: Albay, Erdogan
• Other Authors: Chong Chia Siong, Alan
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Humanities
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/55173
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The study seeks to focus on cases in modem world history in which cosmopolitanism has left its imprint on Middle Eastern societies and cultures, thus contributing to rectify somewhat the disproportion evident in existing studies on cosmopolitanism, which pay little or no attention to how this concept translates to the Muslim world. In order to explore manifestations of cosmopolitan ideas in the Muslim world, as portrayed in the history of the Middle East, the case study of The Millet System ofthe Ottoman Empire will be examined. Considering how successful it was in integrating a wide range of ethnic and religious groups, the Ottoman Empire is taken as the main reference point. The Ottoman Empire promoted the cosmopolitan idea of 'unity in diversity' and the efficient unification of different cultures has been attributed to the millet system implemented by the Ottomans, which advocated tolerance and peace, founded on Islamic principles. It is necessary to analyse this system more extensively so as to be able to imagine and delineate a much needed cosmopolitan vision for the Middle East. In this context, a close reading of Islam's holy text, the Quran, and references to central passages on pluralism, diversity and tolerance are essential as it finds its expression in the Ottoman millet system.