Ottoman America: A History of Migration and Diasporas

In this course we will explore the history of Ottoman migration to the United States, mainly from the late nineteenth century to the Interwar Period. We will discuss the economic, religious, and ethnic factors that influenced various immigrants and refugees—such as Armenians, Greeks, Syrians, Lebanese, and Turks—in their decision to come to the United States. We will analyze where they established new roots, with a close focus on New England, the East Coast, and the Midwest. Readings will also explore issues such as community-building, labor, and worship, as well as the rich cultural contributions of Ottoman migrants to American society through music, food, and the arts. Students will engage in hands-on primary research through a variety of written, oral history, and multimedia archives. 3 hrs. sem. This course is part of the Axinn Center for the Humanities’ Mellon Foundation Public Humanities Initiative.