What is it about?
This is the first time that a comprehensive text about Demetrius Cantemir is included in E.I., after a previous version in the Turkish edition that mainly presents his contribution to the musical arts. The entry covers all the fields of humanist studies where Cantemir excelled: history of the Ottoman Empire and of the Romanian lands, ethics, theological thinking, philosophy, music, mapping, etc.
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Why is it important?
It provides a clear and concise portrait of the Romanian prince, who lives in Instabul for almost 20 years, became a close counsellor of Sultan Ahmed III, wrote extensively on various topics within the humanist fields of study of the age, and held an important place in politics both at the Ottoman Court and in Iassy, capital of Moldavia.
Perspectives
Demetrius Cantemir was one of the first historians of the ottoman Empire who wrote based on his personal experience of living within it, in Istanbul, for almost 20 years. He was knowledgeable in Muslim religion and rites, in Ottoman poetry and music, in the history of the Turks and other peoples within the Empire. He was a balanced, non-judgmental observer of his times, and had a solid humanist education. He is a major source on the history of the Ottoman Empire, its wars, and its connections to Europe.
Ioana Feodorov
Romanian Academy
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Encyclopaedia of Islam, THREE, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/ejb1573-3912_3.
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