Introduction: Living in the Ottoman House

“What is significant about empires in history was their ability to set the context in which political transformation took place. The enticements of subordination and enrichment kept empires in motion, in tension or conflict with each other and other kinds of states. Memories of empire, rejection and fear of empires, and aspirations to make new complex polities inspired and constrained leaders and followers, the ambitious, the indifferent and the compelled.” “For all this time, as Ottoman subjects, our honour and property have been protected by the Sublime State. Our freedom is still intact. The other day when I was in Buyukdere, the British pestered me saying ‘come, let’s put you under British protection.’ I replied that “all my ancestors have always lived with Ottomans. It would be unseemly for us to become something else.” From a conversation by Di