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1. Introduction 1.1. European expansion in the context of world historyEuropean expansion from the mid-16th century is rightly regarded as a key event of world history in the early modern period and of epoch-making significance. It is of relevance to Europe itself, doing much to shape its power structures, economy, politics and world view. The explorations that began along the west coast of Africa, then proceeded with the discovery of the New World and the ensuing occupation of important trading posts in …

1. Urban landscapeLike most empires, the Ottoman Empire comprised not one but many societies. Constantinople (now Istanbul) was already a metropolis of 80,000-100,000 inhabitants by 1500. By 1800, its population (including suburbs) was around 400,000. Outside Istanbul, in the Balkans and western and central Anatolia, on the other hand, rural societies dominated the picture. Around 1500, the only provincial cities of any importance in southeastern Europe were Sarajevo (Saraybosna), Adrianople (Edir…

1. Harem and selamlık The word “harem,” which comes from the Arabic, denotes a specially protected place where a man lives with his family, and which is closed to male visitors. Such visitors were received in a different area, called the  selamlık in Ottoman Turkish, while female visitors were received (in the absence of male residents) in the harem itself. During the 18th century, the harem of a high-ranking family was regarded as the preserve of the wife (or wives). It was good manners for the husband to refrain from entering it agai…