From the 14th century until the birth of the Turkish Republic in 1923, the Ottoman Empire left a legacy evident today throughout the culture, history and politics of the Middle East and Eastern Europe. There is still much to learn, especially through closer collaboration between historians and archaeologists.

Akkerman Fortress Project, Ukraine Dr Caroline Finkel (University of Edinburgh, University of Exeter), Dr Svitlana Bilyayeva (Institute of Archaeology National Academy of Science of Ukraine), Dr Victor Ostapchuk (University of Toronto) The project brings together archaeological investigation and documentary study to ascertain the evolution and characteristics of this ancient site, with particular concentration on the neglected Ottoman period.

Islam, Trade and Politics Across the Indian Ocean

Dr Andrew Peacock (BIAA), Dr Annabel Teh Gallop (British Library), Professor Michael Hitchcock (IMI University Centre, Switzerland). This project examines South East Asia's links with the Ottoman Empire and Turkey over the sixteenth to twentieth centuries based on archival documents, literary references, religious and commercial connections and mutual influences in material culture. Dr İsmail Hakkı Kadı is BIAA Research Fellow in Ottoman Studies and is responsible forarchival research in Turkey.