Abstract
The primary aim of this article is to date the treatise known as Kevâkib-i Seb‘a, which describes the Ottoman sciences for a French audience, to 1739 by examining the letters of Charles de Peyssonnel, secretary to the French ambassador in Istanbul, Marquis de Villeneuve. It also draws attention to a remark by the anonymous author of the treatise on the science of geometry and geography. In order to interpret it, the present study seeks to understand how the author of the treatise presents “ilm”, i.e. science/knowledge, and argues that the remark constitutes a contradictory statement to his previous descriptions and reasoning. It comes to the conclusion that this remark can be regarded as a strategy by the author to defend the imagined prestige of the Ottoman Muslim identity.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Osmanlı Bilimi Araştırmaları / Studies in Ottoman Science
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.