"15th and 16th-century Europe cannot be understood without taking into account the great political-economic power of the time, the Ottoman Empire... European history and Ottoman history are two parallel histories; therefore, the history of these two worlds must be studied comparatively." — Halil İnalcık

From the mid-15th century onwards, the Ottoman Empire played a pivotal role in shaping European history. It is impossible to fully grasp concepts such as raison d'état, Realpolitik, the balance of power, or even European identity without referencing the Ottomans. Despite the undeniable mutual influence between the Ottoman Empire and Europe, Western historiography has unfortunately often overlooked this profound interaction.

Due to historical factors such as the Christian Crusader tradition, deep-seated animosities stemming from prolonged conflicts, cultural alienation, and the Ottoman Empire remaining outside the Enlightenment process, Western historians have frequently portrayed the Ottomans merely as the antithesis of Europe. However, their relationship encompassed far more than mere conflict. In The Ottoman Empire and Europe, master historian Halil İnalcık expertly examines the Ottoman state's profound impact on modern Europe, its rightful place in Western history, and the intricate political, economic, and socio-cultural encounters between these two worlds.