Useful Enemies: Islam And The Ottoman Empire In... May 2026

Later thinkers developed the "despotism" narrative to argue that the Sultan's absolute power over life and property was unnatural and destined for failure, using it as a warning for European monarchs. 2. Islam as a "Political Religion"

Radical writers began portraying Islam as a religion specifically engineered for political control. Useful Enemies: Islam and the Ottoman Empire in...

Early on, many Westerners viewed Islam as a Christian heresy rather than a completely separate religion, which led to Catholics and Protestants accusing each other of being "virtually Muslims". 3. Shifting Perceptions (1450–1750) The guide to Malcolm's chronological coverage includes: Later thinkers developed the "despotism" narrative to argue

by using Islam as a proxy to critique Christianity. Key Themes & Concepts 1. The Concept of Oriental Despotism Early on, many Westerners viewed Islam as a

The idea of "oriental despotism" did not begin as a simple insult. It evolved as a response to positive assessments of Ottoman power.

In the 16th century, writers often admired the Ottoman meritocratic slave system, which allowed talented individuals to rise regardless of birth.