Ruler Visibility and Popular Belonging in the Ottoman Empire, 1808-1908

This book explores how annual royal birthday and accession-day celebrations in the Ottoman Empire influenced loyalty to the monarch and contributed to the emergence of ethnic consciousness and national movements.

Ruler Visibility and Popular Belonging in the Ottoman Empire, 1808-1908 explores the significant impact of royal celebrations on the lives of individuals within the empire. The author highlights how annual events, such as the royal birthday and accession-day celebrations, served as a ceremonial intrusion into the daily routines of the populace. These occasions not only marked the presence of the monarch but also created a unique connection between the ruler and his subjects, fostering a sense of loyalty that transcended various divides, including language, location, creed, and class.

The book delves into the dual nature of these celebrations. While they reinforced vertical ties of allegiance to the monarch, they also inadvertently contributed to the emergence of horizontal connections among different ethnic groups. The author argues that the communal experiences during these festivities played a pivotal role in the development of ethnic consciousness, which later became a catalyst for national movements. This transformation was particularly significant in the context of the empire's eventual decline and the rise of national monarchies.

Ultimately, the work invites readers to reconsider the complexities of loyalty and identity within the Ottoman Empire. By examining these ceremonial practices, the author sheds light on how they shaped social dynamics and contributed to the broader narrative of nationalism in the region. Through this lens, the book offers valuable insights into the interplay between ruler visibility and popular belonging, enriching our understanding of Ottoman history during a transformative century.