An Ottoman Perception of Greek History: Mahmut Efendi's History of Athens

This edition comprises a transliteration, translation and commentary of a history of Athens written from the 1710s to the 1740s by Mahmut Efendi, a locally born Ottoman court official. The text describes the city’s early history, the reforms of Solon, the battles of Marathon and Salamis, Socrates’ teaching, Alexander the Great’s involvement with the city and exploits in Asia, and the city’s conversion to Christianity. It also outlines the involvement of Venice in the city’s fortunes startin...