Recommended read
The Ottoman Empire: The Classical Age, 1300–1600
Halil İnalcık
İnalcık's scholarly survey of the empire at its zenith, the world of Selim II's inheritance.
The World During Their Reign
The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.
Elizabeth I of England
England
1558–1603
Akbar
Mughal Empire
1556–1605
John III of Sweden
Sweden
1568–1592
Charles IX of France
France
1560–1574
Philip II of Spain
Spain
1556–1598
Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1564–1576
Emperor Ōgimachi
Japan
1557–1586
Sebastian, King of Portugal
Portugal
1557–1578
Suleiman the Magnificent
Ottoman Empire
1520–1566
Longqing Emperor
China
1567–1572
Pope Pius V
Papacy
1566–1572
Ashikaga Yoshiaki
Japan (Shogunate)
1568–1588
Wanli Emperor
China
1572–1620
Erik XIV
Sweden
1560–1568
Jiajing Emperor of Ming
China
1521–1567
Mary, Queen of Scots
Scotland
1542–1567
Pope Gregory XIII
Papacy
1572–1585
Meanwhile in history
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
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From the library
Go deeper on Selim II
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
Osman's Dream: The History of the Ottoman Empire 1300–1923
Caroline Finkel
A modern narrative history of the sultans and the empire they ruled for six centuries.
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Lords of the Horizons: A History of the Ottoman Empire
Jason Goodwin
A lyrical, readable introduction to Ottoman court life, conquest, and decline.
Find on Amazon
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