Ottomans and Others: State and Society in Early Ottoman Historiography

This paper aims to explore early Ottoman chroniclers’ perception of the Ottoman state and society. Unlike 16th century Ottoman historians, who mostly display a shared “classical” Ottoman culture in their understanding and depiction of Ottoman state, early Ottoman authors’ views on Ottoman dynasty and society may contribute our understanding of the nature of early Ottoman dynamism. Modern scholars have already clarified different aspects of the issue, trying to explain rise of the Ottoman principality relying on different theories such as gaza theory, Oguz-Turkic state tradition and Rumî identity and culture. This article aims to clarify early Ottoman authors’ understanding of the Ottoman polity by focusing on their attitude in depicting Ottomans vis-à-vis others and state vis-à-vis society.