“The History of the Ottoman Empire” by Dimitrie Cantemir reaches Moldova

President of the Republic of Moldova Vladimir Voronin was presented the German copy of “The History of the Ottoman Empire” by Dimitrie Cantemir, printed in Hamburg in 1745. The precious book was offered by Mete Bora and Selim Bora, managers of the Turkish construction company “Suma”. Mete Bora bought the book at an auction, held in Turkey, and gifted it on the occasion of the 333rd anniversary of the renowned statesman, scholar, writer and musician Dimitrie Cantemir, celebrated recently. While presenting the book to the head of state, Mete Bora mentioned that this fundamental work belongs in Moldova. President Voronin has greatly appreciated the gift of the Turkish businessmen. He said the book will be deposited either in the National Library or the Library of the Moldovan Academy of Science. The projects carried out by the “Suma” Company and expanding perspectives in Moldova were also discussed during the meeting. “The History of the Growth and Decay of the Ottoman Empire” is probably the best known Cantemir’s work. This volume circulated throughout Europe in manuscript for a number of years. It was finally printed in 1734 in London, and later it was translated and printed in Germany and France. It remained the seminal work on the Ottoman Empire up to the middle of the 19th century.