Istanbul

Istanbul, once the center of two empires, is now a focal point for extensive research, revealing rich historical material and generating new fields of study as the city continues to grow. This volume explores the metropolis at the Golden Horn through three key themes: society, institutions, and spaces. The contributions examine a diverse range of groups, from "ordinary" and "learned" Ottomans to Arab intellectuals, semi-autonomous Levantines, and "neutral" Swiss. The studies investigate the influence of classical institutions on the city's development and how its residents organized themselves socially, culturally, and economically. Authors delve into topics such as foundations, guild systems, educational institutions, and industrialization. Additionally, the organization of space and its ideological, architectural, and economic dimensions are scrutinized. The volume brings together studies from established researchers and emerging scholars, utilizing previously unexplored sources and blending traditional research areas with innovative questions. This approach reveals new facets of Istanbul, the former imperial seat and the current unofficial capital of Turkey.