This book, entitled The Artisans and Janissaries of Istanbul: Before and After The Auspicious Event, 1808-39, tells the story of the artisans and janissaries in Istanbul during the reign of Mahmud II (r. 1808-39). It is about people like the aforementioned toymaker/seller who survived on the margins of society and were able to return to the center of Istanbul, albeit in his case as impoverished men who had to earn a living and did not have the power of armed men. The book seeks to uncover both i ...