The History of the Ottoman Empire, 1300-1923

Description

This course is open to members of the Lewiston-Auburn Senior College and other Maine Senior Colleges. To become a member, click HERE.

INSTRUCTOR: Chuck Parker
COST: $25
WHEN: 4-week Course (Tuesdays 10:30 AM – 12:00 starting on October 6, 2026)
WHERE: ZOOM
**This is a VIRTUAL class only

Dates the class will meet on Zoom 
October 6
October 13
October 20
October 27

Registration for this course will end on October 4, 2026

COURSE DESCRIPTION: I cannot recall any unit that discussed the Ottoman Empire in my high school freshman world history. Another indication of the deficiencies of American public education. This class will complete at least one lack in our education by describing the origin of the Ottomans as a tribe, then as a recognized polity in what later became Turkey. 

The Ottomans became a dominant power, occupying much of Eastern Europe, what is now called the Middle East, and North Africa. Twice they threatened Venice, once they invaded Italy, they maintained the most powerful navy on the Mediterranean. Their cultural achievements passed western Europe in science and mathematics. 

Their decline, beginning in the seventeenth century, was a slow deterioration as corruption and fiscal ineptitude, coupled with religious conservatism, prevented any adaption to the rising industrialization and innovations of the west. And so it goes. 

INSTRUCTOR BIO: I was born at a very young age, the fourth child of six. The University of New Hampshire was graced with my presence twice, once resulting in a BS in Plant Science and later a master’s in education. 

Diane and I ended up in Joplin, Missouri where I taught chemistry for what seemed like from the time of four elements, (Aristotle suggested a fifth element - aether- around 350 BC). I also taught at Crowder Junior College in Webb City and Missouri Southern State University in Joplin. 

What does chemistry have to do with Middle Eastern history? Absolutely nothing. However, when I retired from teaching chemistry, I realized a long-held dream of a Master’ degree in history. I attended Pittsburg State University in Kansas and was deeply impressed with the classes of Dr. Stephen Harmon, whose specialty was Middle Eastern/North African history and specifically Middle Eastern and African terrorist groups. Three years later I graduated with honors with a M.A. in history. My thesis discussed the legitimacy of Hamas. You may have heard of Hamas lately. I have now taught several classes related to Middle Eastern history and hope to continue.