This book was originally prepared in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Harvard University, and was subsequently awarded the Toppan Prize. The writer desires to acknowledge his very great indebtedness for advice, suggestion, and criticism to a number of kind friends with whom he has consulted, but especially to Professor A. C. Coolidge and Professor G. F. Moore. Nor can he let the book go to press without recording his extreme obligation to his wife for unwearying assistance at every stage of its preparation. A. H. L. OBERLIN, OHIO, 1912. CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION IDEAS CONSTITUTE A NATION 3 THE BACKGROUND OF OTTOMAN HISTORY 5 CHARACTER AND MISSION OF THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE 7 THE RACIAL DESCENT OF THE OTTOMAN TURKS 10 SELJUK AND OTTOMAN TURKS IN ASIA MINOR 14 THE SOURCES OF OTTOMAN CULTURE 18 CHAPTER I THE CHARACTER OF THE OTTOMAN STATE IN GENERAL DEFINITION 25 THE LIMITATIONS ON DESPOTISM 26 THE TERRITORIAL BASIS 28 THE PEOPLES 33 INSTITUTIONS OF GOVERNMENT 35 CONTEMPORARY DESCRIPTIONS OF THE TWO GREAT INSTITUTIONS 38 CHAPTER II THE OTTOMAN RULING INSTITUTION: AS A SLAVE-FAMILY I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION 45 II. THE SLAVE-FAMILY 47 METHODS OF RECRUITING 49 THE TRIBUTE BOYS 51 ESTIMATE OF THE SYSTEM 53 THE SLAVE STATUS 55 THE HAREM, THE EUNUCHS, AND THE ROYAL FAMILY 56 OTHER OTTOMAN SLAVE-FAMILIES 58 CHARACTER OF OTTOMAN SLAVERY 60 CHAPTER III THE RULING INSTITUTION: AS MISSIONARY ENTERPRISE AND EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM I. THE MISSIONARY MOTIVE 62 THE OTTOMAN ATTITUDE 63 OTHER MOTIVES FOR INCORPORATING CHRISTIANS 65 THE REQUIREMENT OF CONVERSION 66