Nineteenth-century Ottoman politics was filled with casual references to public opinion. Having been popularised as a term in the 1860s, the following decades witnessed a deluge of issues being brought into 'the tribune of public opinion'. Murat R. Siviloglu explains how this concept emerged, and how such an abstract phenomenon embedded itself so deeply into the political discourse that even sultans had to consider its power. Through looking at the bureaucratic and educational institutions of the time, this book offers an analysis of the society and culture of the Ottomans, as well as providing an interesting application of theoretical ideas concerning common political identity and public opinion. The result is a more balanced and nuanced understanding of public opinion as a whole.

Charts the Ottoman Empire's unique path to creating a realm of social life in which public opinion could be formed.

About the Author
Murat R. Siviloglu is an assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin. He has published several articles in books and journals and his main research interests focus on the social and intellectual history of the Ottoman Empire during the nineteenth century.


Book Information
ISBN 9781316641392
Author Murat R. Siviloglu
Format Paperback
Page Count 331
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 460g
Dimensions(mm) 230mm * 153mm * 20mm