Empire 34. The Sick Man of Europe
23 snips
Feb 21, 2023 Eugene Rogan, a distinguished historian of the Ottomans at St Antony's College, Oxford, shares his deep expertise on the declining Ottoman Empire. He delves into the rising nationalism in the Balkans, the challenges Sultan Abdülhamid II faced, and the paradox of his reforms amid authoritarian rule. Rogan highlights the significance of the Young Turks in reshaping the empire's political landscape and discusses the complex geopolitical choices leading up to World War I. His insights reveal a transformative period fraught with tension and potential.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Abdul Hamid II's Entertainment
- Sultan Abdul Hamid II enjoyed comic opera but disliked sad endings, even commissioning a rewrite of La Traviata's ending.
- He also enjoyed Sherlock Holmes stories, having them translated and read to him.
Ottoman Decline and Crimea
- The Ottoman Empire's decline wasn't linear; its neighbors simply advanced faster.
- Losing Crimea to Russia in the late 18th century was a major blow, especially for the Sultan's role as Caliph.
Nationalism and Balkan Uprisings
- Nationalism in the 19th century challenged Ottoman rule, similar to the American and French Revolutions.
- Balkan states like Serbia, Greece, and Bulgaria began asserting their independence.
