Suleiman the Magnificent

'The Shadow of God on Earth', but also an expert politician and allpowerful despot, Suleiman ruled the state firmly with the help of his viziers. He extended the borders of the empire beyond what any of the Ottoman sultans had achieved, yet it is primarily as a lawgiver that he is remembered in Turkish history.

His empire held dominion over three continents populated by more than thirty million inhabitants, among whom nearly all of the races and religions of mankind were represented. Prospering under a well-directed, authoritarian economy, Suleiman's reign marked the apogee of Ottoman power. City and country alike experienced unprecedented economic and demographic growth. Istanbul was the largest city in the world, enjoying a remarkable renaissance of arts and letters; a mighty capital, it was the seat of the Seraglio and dark intrigue.

Andre Clot(1909-2002) was a French historian and journalist. He lived in Turkey and the countries of the Near and Middle East for many years and was an expert on Islam. His other works include Harun al-Rashidand the World of the Thousand and One Nights, also by Saqi Books.