http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottoman_Empire
This was really interesting to read about. I only read the history section, from rise to defeat and dissolution. Here is a picture of the last sultan of the Ottoman Empire leaving the country after the abolition of the sultanate
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And then I clicked on the article about the russo-turkish war of 1877-1878 and learned about Russia’s political realist attempt to reestablish itself in the black sea and regain territory lost in a Crimean War.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Turkish_War_(1877–78)#Changing_balance_of_power_in_Europe
I know it’s just wikipedia and not a real news site, but I think it helps give a broad overview of these things, which helps me put current events in context.
I thought this topic was really cool and relevant to the class and current events! I liked that you provided a lot of in depth research on the history, For your final submission will you relate Syrian history to Russian and Iranian influences/cooperation in the region?
Topic: Chinese and Russian relations in Syria.