Pre-requisite/Co-requisites:
There are no pre-requisites – however familiarisation with reading material provided is highly recommended.

Module Overview:
This module provides students with a basic understanding of the history of Ottoman science and technology.

Module Aims:
In this course, we are particularly aiming to mention what Ottoman scholars achieved and significantly what modern life, scientific and technological developments owed to Turkish/Ottoman scientist of the past. After the eight-century and inward, Turkish and Islamic science started and continued throughout medieval centuries. However, most of the people have no information about the scientific achievements of the Ottomans. Additional aim of this course is to introduce major Ottoman scholars, thinkers and philosophers and their ideas, currents and books.

Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the module, students will be:

• Able to explain what the importance of the existence of the Ottomans in the wold history
• Familiar with the Ottoman world and their civilization
• Able to put the Ottoman civilisation in the history of world civilisation.
• Familiar with the Ottoman scholars and their achievements.

Methods of Teaching/Learning:
The teaching and learning methods are primarily through weekly two-hour tutorials to illustrate the theory and allow the student to discuss and ask questions in an interactive environment. Lecture material will be supported by directed reading.

Course Breakdown 

Lecture 1: Introduction

Exploring Pre-Ottoman Islamic Science
Seljuks and their environments
The emergence of the Ottomans
The beginning of the Ottoman period - the start of scientific and educational activities

Lecture 2: The Formation of the Ottoman Framework of Science and Education

The rise of educational institutions (madāris) and other science related institutions
Fatih and Süleymaniye madrasas complex and its scholars

Lecture 3: The Major Ottoman scholars

Geographical studies and Piri Reis
Flight experiences of Celebis (Hezarfen and Lagari)
Taqi al-Din Rasid

Lecture 4: The Impact of the Ottoman's over Europe

Lecture 5: Debates on Ottoman Science & Technology

Conclusion: A review of the Ottoman world in terms of the history of science and technology

Readings

1001 Inventions: Muslim Heritage in Our World. Ed. Salim T S. Al-Hassani and others. Manchester: FSTC, 2006.

Jonathan Lyons, The House of Wisdom, How the Arabs transformed western civilization, London 2009.

M. H. Morgan, Lost History, the enduring legacy of Muslim scientists, thinkers and Artists. Washington 2007.

Muzaffar Iqbal, Islam and Science (Ashgate, 2002).

Nabil Matar, Turks, Moors and Englishmen in the age of discovery. New york 1999.

Paul Coles. The Ottoman impact on Europe. London: Thames and Hudson, 1968.

Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Science and Civilization in Islam, Cambridge: The İslamic Text Society, 1987.