This collection of essays explores the extent to which the Ottoman legacy persists. Written by a group of professors who study different aspects of this legacy, this book also tries to describe the inherited perceptions of this empire. It demonstrates how the Ottoman Empire was a successor to both the Abbasid and Byzantine empires, and that it was more often a multiconfessional empire than an Islamic one, not just by the composition of its populations but by its social, cultural, political and economic underpinnings. These factors both strengthened the empire and also led to its eventual demise. The character of the empire was more than just Middle-Eastern and North African, it was very European as well, not just geographically but also in its interactions, exchanges and mutual influences with other European nations. Approaching from the perspective of inheritance, this book adds a vivid dimension to a society that contrary to popular perceptions, was very dynamic and tried to reform itself several times in all sectors even during its decline.

Writing about the Ottoman legacy objectively can be difficult. Most of the issues dealt with are very contemporary in nature. They still touch sensitive identity questions, whether in Eastern Europe or in the Middle East. The common negative perceptions - or the idealized ones that are gradually becoming prevalent among many Islamic revivalists - easily fit with the perceived dichotomy between a "Christian West" and "Islamic East". As a result, positive or negative bias occasionally crops up in the writing, and the editor acknowledges this. However, I did not feel this subjectivity stemmed from political preconceptions. When it occured, it was likely the result of academic passion for a specific subject area, or the influence of dominant narratives. Regardless, the overall quality of research was not compromised.

Rediscovering recent MENA history - both from an internal view and from the perspective of its interaction with Europe - in a less dismissive and simplistic manner than the usual nationalist narratives - is what makes this book worthwhile. Filled with both academic analysis and enlightening anecdotes, it is hardly a difficult read. Depending on one's predilections, some sections might be more engaging than others. Each deals with some aspect of the Ottoman legacy - memories, political, economic and military inheritance, as well as culture, religion and even language. Overall, Imperial Legacy paints a highly nuanced picture of the Ottoman Empire, and can certainly serve as a stepping stone to more advanced areas of study.