Ottoman Convergence

The last surviving grandson of an Ottoman sultan died September 23. He was 97. That same day I finished reading The Black Book by Orhan Pamuk, a story with deep Ottoman roots. Earlier this month I read Empires of the Sea, a history of the 16th century wars between Ottomans and Christians for control of the Mediterranean Sea.

Certainly my reading had nothing to do with the grandson's death. Both books did, however, add to my knowledge and understanding of the world he left behind.

postscript

Both books are well written but The Black Book is a challenge to read. Worth the effort but an effort nonetheless. Empires reads easily. The story is fucking brutal.