Koç University’s intensive Ottoman Summer Program will take place at the Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations (ANAMED) in Beyoğlu, Istanbul. The program is open to students enrolled in MA and Ph.D. programs. Students are expected to have had Ottoman instruction at least for half an academic year.

The program is designed to develop the students’ reading and comprehension skills and expertise on a variety of Ottoman sources including archival documents, manuscripts, and epigraphic material. The material will accordingly present a wide array of content and narrative types. The course is designed to accommodate the needs of participants coming with different levels of Ottoman literacy.

Date: July 3rd - August 11th

Classes

Ottoman classes are conducted Monday through Thursday at two levels. An optional class on Friday mornings is open to all students. Arabic and Persian classes take place in the afternoons.

Intermediate-Level Classes (Mo–Th; 9am-10:30am; 10:45am-12:15pm) assumes that participants are already familiar with the basics of Ottoman language (orthography, basic vocabulary) and are able to read printed texts of intermediate-level complexity by using dictionary with some ease. The class will introduce them to various text and script types.

Advanced-Level Classes (Mo–Th; 9am-10:30am; 10:45am-12:15pm) requires that the students feel comfortable taking on the task of deciphering complex Ottoman texts from different periods by using dictionary. The class will cover various text and script types. 

Arabic and Persian Classes (Mo–Th; Elementary 3pm-4:15pm; Intermediate 4:30-5:45pm) are designed to supplement the students’ Ottoman reading skills. Mastery of Ottoman reading and comprehension requires a good familiarity with Arabic and Persian grammar and vocabulary. These classes have two levels: Elementary and Intermediate. Students may choose to attend any combination of classes. 

Document Reading with Professor Karateke (Optional; Fr; 9am-11:30am) will be open to students from both classes and is designed to discuss the intricacies of Ottoman language by analyzing individual documents. This class is also an opportunity for students of two classes to get to know each other in classroom environment.

Activities

• Guided trips to the Süleymaniye Manuscript Library and Prime Ministry’s Ottoman (Başbakanlık) Archives will introduce the students to two fundamental collections for the study of Ottoman history. Süleymaniye Library houses one of the richest Islamic manuscript collections in the world. Prime Ministry’s Ottoman Archives is also by far the largest collection of Ottoman state documents.
• Two lectures by scholars of Ottoman history will give the students the opportunity to learn about recent scholarship and meet other students of Ottoman history.

Materials

• All course materials will be provided electronically. Dictionaries will be available at ANAMED’s study hall reserved for participants.

Certificates and transcripts

• ANAMED issues certificates to all students who successfully complete the program. If you need an officially issued transcript, please be in touch in a timely manner with the coordinators.

Accommodation

• Participants are expected to stay in the ANAMED dorms. The classes also take place in the same building. 
• Lunch is included 4 days a week. Students receive vouchers to be redeemed at a restaurant nearby. 

Arrangements 

• Airfare and visa arrangements and expenses are each participant’s own responsibility.

Fees

• $3000/ €2750