This course explores the history of the Ottoman state from its beginnings in the 14^th century through its transformation into an empire, and then its demise and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. Using a chronological framework for this investigation, the course considers institutions, people, events, economic structures, and cultural and social forms and patterns. Topics to be studied include the rise of the Ottomans; the Ottoman dynasty; Ottoman military formation and its accomplishments; the varied aspects of Islam in the empire; the agrarian-administrative system; architecture and aesthetics; external and internal challenges to Ottoman state and society; the impetus to reform; and the long 19^th century. In addition to the lectures (enhanced by digital tools), the course includes assigned readings in history and historiography, images, maps, material objects, buildings and more. The requirements are regular attendance at the weekly lectures; weekly readings; and several graded online exercises through the Moodle online teaching platform. The exercises will be calculated as 35% of the final grade. The final exam will be a multiple-choice (“American-style”) exam and will be calculated as 65% of the final grade (a passing grade is a prerequisite to successfully complete the