This reading group will discuss books in the Ottoman – Turkish Studies that bring in fresh perspectives – either in methodology or in content matter. Its aim is to sketch the new horizons towards which the field is expanding, especially in the last decade. My initial list would include Murat Ergin’s "Is the Turk a White Man?" Race and Modernity in the Making of Turkish Identity for a study of race in the making of the Republic of Turkey, and Salih Can Açıkgöz’ Sacrificial Limbs: Masculinity, Disability, and Political Violence in Turkey for an anthropological examination of disabled Turkish veterans’ political lives. My final list will consider the diverse interests of the group members. I am planning for Zoom meetings, but we may switch to in-person if the group wishes.

The group will meet once a month and discuss the texts, bringing their own perspective from a variety of backgrounds. Depending on availability and circumstances, I will try to invite one author as a guest speaker in the discussions, most probably over Zoom.

I cordially invite all who hold an interest in history, sociology, anthropology, international relations, environmental studies, gender studies and any other aspect they think worthy of a take within Ottoman Empire and Turkey to the reading group. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Duygu Coskuntuna, G6, Near Eastern Studies, [email protected]

Schedule (for Zoom meetings):

Friday, Sept 30

Friday, Oct 28

Monday, Nov 28

Wednesday, Dec 28