:)’s Reviews > Levant: Splendour and Catastrophe on the Mediterranean > Status Update

The second chapter was a fascinating tale of Smyrna’s history (present-day Izmir). Loving this book so far — it provides such an intriguing account of the Levant’s history. Also noted in this chapter that it’s a very well researched & cited book :)

The second chapter was an interesting tale of the surprising alliance between the French and the Ottomans. The author explained how this alliance came about despite the Ottoman Empire’s roots in jihad and similarly the French history of Crusades. Also offered a thorough explanation of capitulations and religious massacres in Spain. This chapter was key to understanding the diversity of the Levant! A lovely read :)