jjares reviewed Suleiman the Magnificent: An Enthralling Guide to the Sultan Who Ruled during the Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire (European History) on + 3302 more book reviews
Sulieman was one of the most important figures of his time -- East or West. One helpful aspect of this book is that the author placed him into history that readers are more familiar with - by placing Sulieman in the milieu of Henry VIII and Charles V. In a word, Sulieman was a fascinating leader. One of the early Ottoman rules was for each prince to learn a craft. That was brilliant; princes realized the satisfaction of completing a project, and he understood more about his subjects. Another exciting innovation of the Ottomans was to have the princes compete for the crown (instead of the crown going to the eldest son).
Besides being a great military leader, Sulieman was a poet and a lawgiver. He wanted to give his subjects justice. He tolerated his Christians and Jewish subjects (issuing a denouncement of blood libels against Jews). Sulieman codified Ottoman law and had it read out to his subjects so they understood the laws of the land. These codified rules also reigned in corrupt rulers in provincial areas. Sulieman created infrastructure and magnificent buildings. Indeed, Sulieman was magnificent.
Besides being a great military leader, Sulieman was a poet and a lawgiver. He wanted to give his subjects justice. He tolerated his Christians and Jewish subjects (issuing a denouncement of blood libels against Jews). Sulieman codified Ottoman law and had it read out to his subjects so they understood the laws of the land. These codified rules also reigned in corrupt rulers in provincial areas. Sulieman created infrastructure and magnificent buildings. Indeed, Sulieman was magnificent.
