Comparing Ottoman Empire And The Qing Dynasty (13th Chapter)

Similarities and differences between regional societies are bountiful in early modern history. Hundreds of societies rose to power and fell from grace during this time period, which means there are bound to be similar tactics put in place, but also different strategies to try and improve on societies and nation’s failures. In the textbook, Worlds Together Worlds Apart, there are multiple instances of two societies from completely different regions enacting similar methods of societal control, economic expansion, and cultural unification. The two societies that I’ll be comparing in this essay are the Ottoman Empire (14th chapter) and the Qing Dynasty (13th Chapter). These two societies achieved unprecedented of cultural unification, but went about this differently. …show more content…
In the ottomans case they had to establish peace between Sufis and unorthodox ulama , which was no easy task due to their clashing of lifestyles. The ottomans were forced to do away with traditional Islamic Sharia because of its inability to cover all bases of law; this prompted a new system of law, which attempted to bridge administrative and religious law. In further movements away from Islamic precedent they also allowed and offered protection to Christians and Jews. This is shown in the Turkish Letters, “The Turkish state has 12,000 of these troops…scattered through every part of the empire…to protect Christians and Jews from violence of the mob.” This new code of law and tolerance of many beliefs assisted the ottoman’s in harmonizing peace around their empire, and led to a culture rich, thriving