Learned Patriots

Debating Science, State, and Society in the Nineteenth-Century Ottoman Empire

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, History, Middle East
Cover of the book Learned Patriots by M. Alper Yalçinkaya, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: M. Alper Yalçinkaya ISBN: 9780226184340
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: February 13, 2015
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: M. Alper Yalçinkaya
ISBN: 9780226184340
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: February 13, 2015
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

The nineteenth century was, for many societies, a period of coming to grips with the growing, and seemingly unstoppable, domination of the world by the “Great Powers” of Europe. The Ottoman Empire was no exception: Ottomans from all walks of life—elite and non-elite, Muslim and non-Muslim—debated the reasons for what they considered to be the Ottoman decline and European ascendance. One of the most popular explanations was deceptively simple: science. If the Ottomans would adopt the new sciences of the Europeans, it was frequently argued, the glory days of the empire could be revived.
           
In Learned Patriots, M. Alper Yalçinkaya examines what it meant for nineteenth-century Ottoman elites themselves to have a debate about science. Yalçinkaya finds that for anxious nineteenth-century Ottoman politicians, intellectuals, and litterateurs, the chief question was not about the meaning, merits, or dangers of science. Rather, what mattered were the qualities of the new “men of science.” Would young, ambitious men with scientific education be loyal to the state? Were they “proper” members of the community? Science, Yalçinkaya shows, became a topic that could hardly be discussed without reference to identity and morality.
           
Approaching science in culture, Learned Patriots contributes to the growing literature on how science travels, representations and public perception of science, science and religion, and science and morality. Additionally, it will appeal to students of the intellectual history of the Middle East and Turkish politics.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The nineteenth century was, for many societies, a period of coming to grips with the growing, and seemingly unstoppable, domination of the world by the “Great Powers” of Europe. The Ottoman Empire was no exception: Ottomans from all walks of life—elite and non-elite, Muslim and non-Muslim—debated the reasons for what they considered to be the Ottoman decline and European ascendance. One of the most popular explanations was deceptively simple: science. If the Ottomans would adopt the new sciences of the Europeans, it was frequently argued, the glory days of the empire could be revived.
           
In Learned Patriots, M. Alper Yalçinkaya examines what it meant for nineteenth-century Ottoman elites themselves to have a debate about science. Yalçinkaya finds that for anxious nineteenth-century Ottoman politicians, intellectuals, and litterateurs, the chief question was not about the meaning, merits, or dangers of science. Rather, what mattered were the qualities of the new “men of science.” Would young, ambitious men with scientific education be loyal to the state? Were they “proper” members of the community? Science, Yalçinkaya shows, became a topic that could hardly be discussed without reference to identity and morality.
           
Approaching science in culture, Learned Patriots contributes to the growing literature on how science travels, representations and public perception of science, science and religion, and science and morality. Additionally, it will appeal to students of the intellectual history of the Middle East and Turkish politics.

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Islam and the Rule of Justice by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book Wildlife Conservation in a Changing Climate by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book How to Humble a Wingnut and Other Lessons from Behavioral Economics by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book The Government of Desire by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book Strained Relations by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book Transformative Political Leadership by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book Strange Footing by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book Our Vampires, Ourselves by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book Face/On by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book Vaccine Nation by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book Kwaito's Promise by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book Laughter at the Foot of the Cross by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book Elephant Memories by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book Quantifying Life by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
Cover of the book American Girls in Red Russia by M. Alper Yalçinkaya
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy