The article discusses the historical suppression of printing in the Ottoman Empire, particularly under Sultan Bayezid II in 1483, which led to the prohibition of books printed in Turkish and Arabic. This ban lasted over 350 years, effectively stifling intellectual and cultural development. The author, Carlo Panella, argues that this censorship contributed to the rise of fanaticism and hindered progress compared to Europe, where the spread of printed materials fueled critical thought and scientific advancement. The article contrasts the Ottoman experience with the Indian subcontinent, where printing was allowed and led to the emergence of an educated elite. It concludes by drawing parallels between the fall of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1924 and the decline of religious authority in 1870.
Tendenz-Einschätzung (Links): The article frames the suppression of printing in the Ottoman Empire as a form of cultural and intellectual oppression that led to negative outcomes such as fanaticism and stagnation. It emphasizes the positive impact of printing in Europe and contrasts it with the Ottoman experience, suggesting a '
