Page 86 - A Call for a Turkish-Islamic Union

A CALL FOR A TURKISH-ISLAMIC UNION

They will have Gardens of Eden with rivers flowing
under them. They will be adorned in them with
bracelets made of gold and wear green garments
made of the finest silk and rich brocade, reclining
there on couches under canopies. What an excellent
reward! What a wonderful repose! (Surat al-Kahf: 31)

Islamic Civilization and the Ottomans
Islamic Civilization and the Ottomans
The Ottoman Empire, founded in 1299, was develop-
ing as one of the Islamic world's greatest and grandest em-
pires. The official Ottoman worldview, based on compas-

sion and justice, left its mark on the lands it ruled with its
sublime architecture, textiles, calligraphy, and a perfected
educational system envied by Europe. The sultans' sub-
tlety and taste in art was admired by Europeans, who were
deeply affected by the Ottoman Empire's splendor.
The Ottoman Empire was one of the largest and
longest-lived empires. In fact, only the Roman Empire at
its peak covered a greater area. However, it did not man-
age to preserve its size as long as the Ottomans did. Many

countries that now form parts of Europe, North Africa,
Central Asia, and the Middle East have historically impor-
tant Ottoman monuments and artwork decorating their
towns. Examples of Ottoman architecture and urban plan-
ning are still standing in many European cities (e.g., Sofia,
Belgrade, and Sarajevo).
The Ottoman state and governing system was based

on the Qur'an, and many present-day political scientists
refer to it as one of the best state systems. Ottoman state

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