Who are the Turks? Where did they come from, and how did they help build the Islamic world? What role did they play in the Crusades? A major world power for nearly 500 years, how did they rule so much of Europe before finally taking Constantinople in 1453, and with what consequences?

More recently, what role have Turks--both Ottomans and post-Ottomans--played in modern history? As the Sick Man of Europe for most of the 19th century, they provided fuel for the western imagination in literature, architecture, food, and fashion--not to mention wars. The dismantling of their empire created the current map (and many of the current problems) of the Middle East. Where are Turkey and the modern Turks headed as we approach two centuries since modern Turkey emerged?

Please note that due to popular demand this past spring this class is brought back in the fall of 2013.