Barely literate, and supporting his mother and sisters from the age of ten, Abu Chaker built up a business empire--despite twice losing everything he had. Diana Darke follows his tumultuous journey, from instability in Syria and civil war in Lebanon, to his arrival in England in the 1970s, where he rescued a failing Yorkshire textile mill, Hield Bros, and transformed it into a global brand. The Merchant of Syria tells two parallel stories: the life of a cloth merchant and his resilience, and the rich history of a nation built on trade. Over millennia Syria has seen great conflict and turmoil, but like the remarkable story of Abu Chaker, it continues to survive.

The Merchant of Syria: A History of Survival

Biographies & Memoirs

Darke, Diana

Historical

Oxford University Press

A richly illustrated examination of the Ottoman Empire, 100 years since its dissolution, unraveling its complex cultural legacy and profound impact on Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. 
A hundred years after the abolition of the Ottoman sultanate on November 1, 1922, enough time has passed to reexamine the Ottomans and reassess their legacy. This illustrated volume, by critically acclaimed author Diana Darke, explores their unique achievements in architecture, cuisine, music, science, and medicine, as well as the political challenges they met. The Ottoman Empire faced issues shared by modern European and Middle Eastern countries: how to maintain a balance between religious ideology and secular politics and how to promote fairness and equality among citizens in a multicultural society. 
While many still equate the Ottomans with the decadence of Istanbul―extravagant architecture, harems, and hookahs―they are unaware that the secrets of Ottoman success lay in a disciplined bureaucracy and a standing army that both awed and seduced its opponents. The Ottomans harnessed the talents of their diverse populations and quickly buttressed the crumbling edifice of Byzantine Christianity. Their dynamism and resilience helped fuse the cultures of Asia, Europe, and Africa, from the Himalayas to the Sahara, absorbing whatever impressed them, from Mongol armor to Persian tile work. Alongside their essential rigor, they enjoyed the finer aspects of life: in music, cuisine, and art, unafraid, even as rugged fighters, to display their love of flowers and gardens, especially tulips and roses. Behind the fine robes, carpets, and ceramics on display today in their great architectural monuments, Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, lie centuries of migration, trade, and struggle. In this original and beautifully illustrated book, Darke reveals a radically new picture of the Ottoman Empire 150 color illustrations

The Ottomans: A Cultural Legacy

History

Middle East

Thames&Hudson

"Passport's Illustrated Travel Guide to Turkey" has everything you need to plan a great trip - from the resources of the world famous Thomas Cook travel organization: Practical A-Z directory of all the sights Walks, strolls, and how to blend into the local scene Complete descriptions of restaurants, shops, sports, entertainment Suggestions on how to spend wisely Information you want - accessible on easy-to-use double-page spreads Great value with 192 pages of full-color maps and photos

AA/Thomas Cook Travellers Turkey (AA/Thomas Cook Travellers)

Travel

Asia

Thomas Cook Publishing

Book by Thomas Cook Ltd, Darke, Diana

Passport's Illustrated Travel Guide to Turkey (Passport's Illustrated Travel Guide to Turkey, 1998)

Politics & Social Sciences

thomas-cook

Sociology

Passport Books

Discovery Guide to Eastern Turkey and the Black Sea Coast (Discovery Guides)

Hippocrene Books

Guide to Eastern Turkey and the Black Sea Coast

Michal Haag

Guide to Aegean and Mediterranean Turkey

Sports & Outdoors

Water Sports

Discovery Guide to Eastern Turkey and the Black Sea Coast

Michael Haag Limited

The Last Sanctuary in Aleppo: A remarkable true story of courage, hope and survival

Aljaleel, Alaa

Headline

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Books by Darke, Diana