At its height, the Ottoman Empire spread from Yemen to the gates of Vienna, yet Western perceptions of the Ottomans have often been distorted by Orientalism, characterizing their rule as oppressive and destructive, while seeing their culture as exotic and incomprehensible.Based on a lifetime’s experience of living and working across its former provinces, Diana Darke uncovers a vibrant, sophisticated civilization that embraced both arts and sciences and welcomed refugees from all ethnicities and religions. Darke celebrates the culture of the Ottoman Empire, from aesthetics and architecture to scientific and medical innovations, the significant role of women, and explores the crucial part commerce and trade played in supporting the empire and increasing its cultural reach, presenting the magnificent achievements of an empire that lasted over 600 years.