The illuminated table, the prosperous house

The Illuminated Table, the Prosperous House features fourteen articles by researchers from Turkey and several European countries, focusing on crucial aspects of material culture: food, drink, and housing. In any society, how people eat, drink, dress, and dwell carries significant symbolic meaning. Ottoman society demonstrated a high degree of coherence in its material culture, which reflected the empire's uniform social structure. From Sarajevo to Damascus, coffee was served in similar cups, and friends gathered on raised platforms adorned with rugs and cushions. Subtle changes in material culture often had a more profound effect on daily life than overt political conflicts. The transition from early modern statehood to modernity for the Ottomans involved numerous transformations in the everyday lives of men and women. From the sixteenth century onward, urban populations exhibited increasing sophistication and differentiation in their lifestyles, discovering new ways to enjoy food, arrange their homes, and present themselves publicly. Recently, remnants of Ottoman material life have gained public interest, with cuisine and vernacular architecture celebrated by experts and urban dwellers alike. However, serious research in this field has lagged. This volume aims to showcase current research, highlight under-explored primary sources, and enhance our understanding of this vital aspect of Ottoman history.