Sultan Mehmed II Smelling a Rose, Topkapi Sarayi Album, Hazine 2153. Late 15th century.
The Ottomans enjoyed the finer aspects of life: in music, cuisine, and art. They absorbed whatever impressed them, from Mogul armour to Persian tile work, and were unafraid to display their love of flowers and gardens, especially tulips and roses. However, behind the fine robes, carpets, manuscripts and ceramics lay centuries of migration, diverse religions and determination to extend the reach of an empire that lasted over 600 years.
Diana Darke, a renowned cultural expert on the Middle East, explains how the Ottoman Empire supported a vibrant, sophisticated civilization underpinned by commerce and trade and an army that both awed and seduced its opponents.
The Ottomans: A Cultural Legacy by Diana Darke is published by Thames & Hudson (September 2022). Ticket holders will receive a code to use for 30% off the £30 retail price via their website.
Proceeds from our ticket sales benefit museums, galleries and other arts-based organisations and projects.
This is an online event hosted on Zoom which can be watched live, or on-demand for three weeks afterwards. You will receive your link to access the event in your email confirmation and the on-demand link after the event ends.