Empire
Goalhanger
The rise and fall of empires, rulers, and the events that shaped world history.William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 21, 2023 • 60min
39. Lawrence of Arabia and the Arab Revolt
Join Lawrence expert Anthony Sattin, author of Young Lawrence, as he unravels the enigmatic figure of T.E. Lawrence. Discover the complexities of his asexuality and pivotal mentorship, alongside the political turmoil of the Ottoman Empire's decline. Sattin shares insights into the motivations behind Sheriff Hussein's alliance in the Arab Revolt and Lawrence’s influence on current Middle Eastern politics. With reflections on hospitality in historic regions and the repercussions of guerrilla tactics, this conversation is rich in historical intrigue.
34 snips
Mar 14, 2023 • 1h
38. Sykes-Picot: Carving up the Middle-East
Join historian James Barr, author of "A Line in the Sand," as he delves into the contentious Sykes-Picot Agreement that shaped the modern Middle East. He explores how greed and arbitrary borders set the stage for ongoing conflicts. Discover the motivations behind this imperial deal, the clash between British and French ambitions, and how past decisions continue to echo through present-day geopolitics. Barr's insights reveal the complex cultural and historical influences that still affect the region today.
16 snips
Mar 9, 2023 • 38min
37. The Armenian Genocide: Death Marches
Eugene Rogan, author of *The Fall of the Ottomans*, joins to provide a gripping analysis of the Armenian Genocide. He discusses the harrowing forced marches across the desert and the brutal conditions endured by the Armenian people. Rogan shares personal survivor accounts and the psychological impact of these atrocities on Armenian identity. The conversation also touches on the post-genocide accountability of Ottoman leaders and the ongoing struggle for recognition amidst denialism, particularly in Turkey.
37 snips
Mar 7, 2023 • 42min
36. The Armenian Genocide: Road to the Deportations
In this discussion, historian Eugene Rogan sheds light on the profound tragedies of the Armenian Genocide, exploring its historical context and the violent escalation that led to widespread atrocities. He articulates the complex narratives surrounding this dark chapter, from the arrest of Armenian intellectuals in 1915 to the chilling dynamics in Istanbul during WWI. Rogan emphasizes the urgent need for recognition and preservation of Armenian cultural history while drawing parallels with other genocides, underscoring the significance of memory in our collective conscience.
25 snips
Feb 28, 2023 • 1h 3min
35. Gallipoli: Death at the Cliff Edge
Eugene Rogan, a Professor of modern Middle Eastern history and author, brings a personal touch to the discussion about Gallipoli, recalling family ties to the historic conflict. He delves into the catastrophic miscalculations of the Allies, the haunting legacies of Anzac landings, and the unanticipated strengths of the Ottoman forces. The conversation also reveals the complexities of gender roles in wartime and the profound impact of this campaign on national identities in Australia and New Zealand, making it a compelling exploration of history.
36 snips
Feb 21, 2023 • 58min
34. The Sick Man of Europe
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.
17 snips
Feb 14, 2023 • 56min
33. Lady Mary: Our Woman in Constantinople
Katie Hickman, a historian and travel writer known for her expertise on Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, explores the vibrant life of this pioneering figure. Lady Mary broke the mold in 18th-century society, becoming the first female travel writer and documenting her experiences in the Ottoman Empire. The discussion reveals her struggles with societal expectations, her insights on gender roles, and her groundbreaking work on smallpox inoculation. Hickman also highlights the complexities of Lady Mary's tumultuous legacy, including scandals and her fight for recognition.
6 snips
Feb 7, 2023 • 48min
32. The Greatest Ottoman Adventurer
Join historian Caroline Finkel as she unpacks the life of Evliya Çelebi, the 17th-century Ottoman traveler famed for his wild adventures. Discover tales of transformation, such as humans morphing into chickens and encounters with dervishes on rhinos. Caroline shares insights into the rich cultural tapestry of the Ottoman Empire, including humorous local expressions and vibrant social dynamics. The conversation navigates the complexities of travel, identity, and the contrasting realities of beauty and brutality throughout the Empire.
69 snips
Jan 31, 2023 • 54min
31. Conquering the Night: The History of Coffee
Cemal Kafadar, a Harvard professor specializing in Ottoman history, joins the discussion to unravel the fascinating journey of coffee. He highlights its surprising origins, including its rumored use as an aphrodisiac. Kafadar dives into the societal significance of coffee houses as centers for political discourse and social interaction. The conversation touches on the roles of women in shaping coffee culture and links its history to modern coffee giants like Starbucks, all while celebrating coffee's enduring cultural legacy.
12 snips
Jan 24, 2023 • 58min
30. Sultanas to Slaves: Voices from the Harem
Bettany Hughes, a renowned classicist and author, joins the conversation to unveil the intricate lives of women in the Ottoman Empire. They delve into the empowering roles women played within the harem, notably highlighting Safiye's political prowess. The discussion reveals the duality of their existence—oppression mingled with opportunity. Additionally, the social rituals in hamams showcase the community bonds among women. Hughes explores transformative figures like Roxelana while addressing the ethical responsibilities of historians in portraying these complex narratives.
