Holding a significant place in the Ottoman geographical literature with a substantial number of copies, Ottoman cosmographies rely on partial or free translations of the medieval Arabic and Persian cosmographies predominantly entitled ‘Ajā’ib al-makhlūqāt (Wonders of Creation). As these texts approach all of existence as a reflection of divine will and wisdom, they often use the terms ‘ajā’ib and gharā’ib to indicate its astonishing, strange, confusing, admirable, and awe-inspiring aspects. Through wide-ranging examples of such usages taken on a large scale, this presentation will explore diverse aspects of early modern Ottoman worldview(s), providing an idea of its borders, inclusivity and flexibility.

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