Tughra of Süleiman the Magnificent, 1555X60

New York, The Met: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/449534

During the late 13th century, a group of Turkic-speaking warriors gathered in north-western Anatolia - most of them refugees fleeing the expanding Mongol Empire. Their leader was an obscure emir named Ertugrul, and by his death in 1281, they had managed to conquer a few towns and villages. His son, however, would take up leadership of the group – drawing ever more warriors to his standard – and begin a campaign of expansion that would see his direct successors rule over the largest empire in the world, stretching from the Persian Gulf to the Danube. The son's name was Osman, and from his name comes that of the great Ottoman dynasty.

On this introductory short course, we will follow the story of that dynasty’s rise to power. Topics will include the Battle of Kosovo, the fall of Constantinople, the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, and the Golden Age of Ottoman art and architecture.

RJW F212205 Online freelance course (via Zoom)

A 5-hour “taster” course, delivered via 2 x 2½-hour sessions on consecutive Saturdays (14 and 21 August).

£25 (individual registration); £38 (for two people on the same screen!). To register, please complete this form.