From Byzantium to the Mongols to the Sultans of Rum, this acclaimed book offers an important insight into the evocative history of Turkey before the coming of Ottoman power.

Turkey forms a historical bridge between Europe and Asia and as such has played a pivotal role throughout history. The rise of Constantinople and the later Ottoman Empire are well known: less well understood are developments in the three centuries in-between. What led to the decline of the Byzantine Empire and what happened in the intervening years before the rise of the Ottomans? Translated from the original French, this classic work examines the history of the Turkey that eventually gave rise to an imperial power whose influence spanned East and West.

Claude Cahen

Editor's Note

Names and Dates

Author's Preface

Publisher's Acknowledgements

Map

Introduction: Summary history of the Turks before Turkey

PART ONE: GENERAL HISTORY OF TURKEY BEFORE THE MONGOLS

PART TWO: SOCIETY AND INSTITUTIONS BEFORE THE MONGOLS

PART THREE: GENERAL HISTORY OF THE MONGOL PERIOD

PART FOUR: SOCIETY AND INSTITUTIONS IN THE MONGOL PERIOD

Conclusion

Notes

Appendices

Bibliographical Guide

Glossary

Index of Persons

Index of Places