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Sultan Abdul Hamid II is a man vilified by some, lionized by others, yet rarely understood on his own terms. To his critics, he was the Red Sultan, a reactionary despot who clung to power as his empire unraveled. But to his defenders, he was the last bulwark against European imperialism, a caliph who dared to say no when so many bowed their heads.

But who was Abdul Hamid II?

To help us unpack this complex figure, I’m joined by Dr. Yakoob Ahmed, a historian of the late Ottoman period whose work has brought fresh insight into the ideologies, pressures, and personalities that shaped the final century of the Caliphate.

You can find Dr Yakoob Ahmed here:

Substack: https://yakoob.substack.com

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