Politics of Reproduction in Ottoman Society, 1838-1900

'[We] heartily recommend the book to experts on nineteenth-century medicine and gender. Balsoy's research is reliable, and her work will prove illuminating for scholars who are seeking to expand their comparative horizons.' Isis 'very extensively and thoroughly investigates the gendered manner in which Ottoman anxiety of depopulation was articulated by state and society within this period ... a fascinating 'must-read' not only for feminist historians but students interested in Ottoman history and identity, history of medicine, and the politics of sexuality.' The FWSA Blog 'a clearly written, carefully documented history of reproductive policy making in the Ottoman empire in the post-Tanzimat period ... an invaluable monograph for Ottomanists specialized in policy making and gender.' Turkish Historical Review 'an important contribution to Tanzimat-era studies ... This book should be of great interest to scholars who specialize in Ottoman studies, particularly in the fields of demography and gender studies.' New Perspectives on Turkey

• Introduction; Chapter 1 Besi??m Ömer and Writing the History of Midwifery and Childbirth; Chapter 2 The Transformation of Midwifery; Chapter 3 Abortion, Power and Agency; Chapter 4 Pregnancy as a Site of Medical Intervention; Chapter 5 Infertility as a Public Problem; conclusion Conclusion: Gendering Nineteenthcentury Ottoman History;