In the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire is known as the “Sick man of Europe.” It is big but weak. The other European powers assume they’ll eventually have to take over much of the empire’s lands.
The Committee for Unity and Progress hopes to salvage the dignity of the Empire. They see the warning signs and know the Empire’s days are numbered if things don’t change.
I don’t know where you got your info, but as a Turk myself I ask you to actually take sometime and research the Ottoman Empire from a source that is not a Westerner and from Muslim scholars. Also, the capital of the Ottoman Empire was ISTANBUL, not Constantinople!! The Ottoman Empire was always respectful to all of its citizens including it’s minorities and non-Muslim citizens. Making a podcasts stating these things based off of one book is very irresponsible and unprofessional. May Allah help you gain knowledge that is accurate and unbiased.
As-Salaamu Alaikum,
This book, written by a westerner, presents some information in a biased fashion. But that does not make the information within untrue.
It is the duty of the student of history to put aside their own biases and attempt to learn the truth, regardless of its source or where it takes them. Even if that truth may be something they don’t want to hear.
This is where I got my information from: https://www.amazon.com/Peace-End-All-Ottoman-Creation-ebook/dp/B003X27L7C/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=77790490204415&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=peace+end+all+peace&qid=1551096573&s=gateway&sr=8-1&tag=mh0b-20
Muslim sources are used when available. But they can also be biased at times. Hence, it is wise to use a variety of sources from many different viewpoints. However, since this was not a full episode, only one book was used. The reason for doing that was explained from the beginning.
According to Wikipedia, the capital was still called “Constantinople” by the West until the Turkish Republic was established. Understandably, Turks do not consider it appropriate, but it is not wrong.
No government is 100% respectful to all of its minorities. It is doubtful the Ottomans were either. Here is a link to some atrocities committed in the Ottoman Empire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_massacres_in_Turkey#Before_1914
Not necessarily and I respectfully disagree. It’s over a hundred years ago. Some feelings may be hurt, but it’s not going to damage anyone’s reputation. It is best we face the truth of the past, both the good and bad of it, rather than pretend everything was perfect when it definitely was not.
Ameen.