Synopsis of the History of the Ottoman Empire by Shakib Arslan

The book can be divided into 3 sections. In the first section, the author discusses the Turks, their history, origin, where they descended from, and a summary of their migrations. In the second section of the book, he discusses the history of the Ottoman Empire, detailing events and occurrences during the reign of each Sultan based on historical sources. When he reached the later Sultans whom he lived through, he discussed the events he witnessed in Syria (and Lebanon), Libya, and Istanbul. He also elaborated on the developments of the Great War, of which he was aware due to his closeness to the Grand Vizier and the war leaders at the time (the martyr Enver Pasha and others). In the final section of the book, he addressed a message to the Arabs, advising them then to stand with the Ottoman Empire and not to be drawn into calls for secession and independence. He then discusses the history of the Arab sieges of Constantinople and its conquest by the Turks. Finally, he talks about the landmarks of Istanbul, including mosques, most notably Hagia Sophia, palaces, most notably "Topkapi," libraries, schools, universities, baths, and more.