Review of Miri Shefer-Mossensohn. Science among the Ottomans: The Cultural Creation and Exchange of Knowledge. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2015. H-Net Review. H-Sci-Med-Tech. July, 2017. (original) (raw)
AI-generated Abstract
The review evaluates Miri Shefer-Mossensohn's book "Science among the Ottomans: The Cultural Creation and Exchange of Knowledge," highlighting its timely synthesis of Ottoman science scholarship against traditional narratives of decline. It discusses the book's thematic organization, which explores how various factors shaped an 'Ottoman' science, though it notes a lack of technical detail in some critical areas. The review appreciates the book's accessibility for students and its potential to foster further discussion in the field.
Related papers
Ottoman Science" refers to the overall scientific activity carried out within the space and time dimensions of the Ottoman Empire. Scientific activities that took place within the boundaries of the empire over its 600-year history have displayed some characteristic trends.
Science, Religion and Politics in the Ottoman Empire Syllabus
Course Description: This seminar course investigates continuities and breaks in religious, scientific, and political institutions and discourses during the long history of the Ottoman Empire. It will begin with an overview of the Islamic and Greek intellectual legacies. The course will be divided into three parts focusing on three major periods of the Ottoman history: the formative, early modern, and modern periods. An important aspect of the course is to consider developments in the Ottoman Empire in connection with the other contemporary societies. Hence, we will situate developments in the Ottoman history within the larger historical changes in Eurasia by reading both primary and secondary sources. Objectives: Developing critical reading and analytical writing skills. Students will acquire a historical approach to concepts or institutions. Attendance policy: Regular attendance and punctuality is required. Two or more absences will negatively influence participation grade. Requirements: Weekly readings, and short discussion posts, and class presentations. There will be one short essay (5 pages) in lieu of midterm, and one final paper (10 pages).
Sciences and change of perception in the late Ottoman intellectuals
2012
The cursory overlook the researches shows that Ottoman Empire, in general, has no conflict with science. It invites man to cultivate science. The contribution of Muslims in the field of science has been significant. After 13 We have witnessed too many scientific developing in the Ottoman period. But, there are some claims for the conflict between science and religion in Ottoman period. Historically some religious intellectuals like, Sheik al-Islam and ulama opposed to the scientific developing and majority of them supported to scientific developing/reforms. century they paid more attention to religious teachings to preserve it from negative influences. Especially in the nineteenth centuries scientific and technological revolution in the West unfortunately was misunderstood by the many Muslims at that time and lagged behind.
SCIENCE AND RELATED INSTITUTIONS WITHIN THE OTTOMAN ADMINISTRATION DURING THE CLASSICAL PERIOD
The Ottomans conserved the fundamental features of Islamic civilization in their scientific institutions as they also did in social and cultural areas. Three of the six Ottoman state scientific institutions dealt with here are in the area of astronomy and the other three have to do with medicine. These scientific-based institutions functioning within the state administrative organization were established not for the purpose of governance but rather to provide state support for the pursuit of theoretical and applied scientific activities and allow the central government to monitor these.
Loading Preview
Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.