Turks: A Journey of a Thousand Years, 600-1600

by Royal Academy of Arts (Editor), Filiz Çağman, Nazan Ölçer

This magnificent book accompanied a spectacular exhibition devoted to the artistic and cultural riches of the Turkic-speaking peoples. Essays by leading scholars trace Turkic history and cultural development, while works of art ranging from painting and sculpture to textiles, metalwork and ceramics refelct the artistic influences that the Turks assimilated, from their early nomadic wanderings to the glories produced during the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent. The book takes the reader on a breathtaking journey from the eastern border of modern China to the Balkans in the west. Illustrated by more than 500 works, Turks is a landmark publication. The book is essential readign for anyone interested in the turbulent but vivid history of the Turkic-speaking peoples.

Genres: Art

494 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2005

About the author

The Royal Academy of Arts (RA) is an art institution based in Burlington House in Piccadilly London, England.

The Royal Academy of Arts was founded 1768 by a group of 34 eminent artists and architects under the patronage of King George III.
Sir Joshua Reynolds was the primary driving force and served as its first President, while other key founding members included Thomas Gainsborough, Richard Wilson, Benjamin West, Angelica Kauffman, and Mary Moser.

The purpose of the Royal Academy is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the fine arts through exhibitions, education and debate.

Reviews

[Lain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure exactly what I was getting when I ordered this from the library. It turned out to be a series of short historical essays (10-20 pages each) and hundreds of pictures tied to an art exhibition. The essays were quite scanty, especially for anatolia and the ottoman period, but the pictures were gorgeous. Would make for a fine sort of coffee-table book.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive, huge, does not skimp on plates. Worth it for the chapter on Muhammad Siya Qalam alone.

[Philip Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contains an enormous resource of Turkish art and artefacts, and lots of good writing about the long history of these important peoples.