This postdoctoral subproject will investigate the character and impact of food-related protests in the Ottoman Empire between ca. 1500-1800, focusing on reconstructing the way participants were represented in state records. It has an integrated archival politics dimension, taking up the call for more research on the impact of Ottoman archival culture on how protests have (not) been recorded. Ultimately, the goal of the subproject is threefold:

• To examine the form and impact of food protests;
• To examine relevant forms and impact of archival silencing within the Ottoman context;
• And to help integrate, compare, and contrast the Ottoman and European case studies on both themes.

Geographically, the subproject can include protests in Istanbul and/or additional (major) provincial cities. The postdoc will select relevant cases, building on the existing historiography and their own expertise and linguistic scope. Excellent knowledge of Ottoman Turkish is a must. Furthermore your tasks will be:

• design and conduct innovative research on urban food protests and archival politics for one or more well-defined case studies in the Ottoman Empire, in dialogue with/under the guidance of the project leader;
• present research results in four peer-reviewed articles (some of which co-authored) in international scientific journals and as a chapter in one co-edited volume;
• actively participate in relevant academic conferences and workshops;
• (co)organize and actively participate in the research group’s meetings and other research activities;
• co-organize the project’s seminars and concluding conference;
• cooperate closely with the researchers in the other subprojects.

• a recent (up to 5 years maximum after completion) PhD in History, Ottoman Studies, or a related discipline, held by the time of appointment;
• an excellent research and publication record in relation to your career stage and academic culture;
• a demonstrable affinity with the history of food, protest, and/or archival politics;
• excellent command of both spoken and written English;
• excellent knowledge of Ottoman Turkish and other relevant languages;
• a strong willingness to work collaboratively as part of an international research team;
• demonstrable organizational skills;
• commitment to relocate to the Netherlands: the position involves regular in-person meetings in Amsterdam.

• an initial 16-month onderzoeker 4 (postdoc) contract starting on september 1, 2025, with an extension of 32 months following a positive evaluation within the first 12 months;
• excellent possibilities for further professional development and education;
• collaboration in an enthusiastic and professional academic team;
• an inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam.