Based on the author's Thesis (master's). / Includes bibliographical references.

In this thesis, Metin Heper&rsquo / s analysis of the Ottoman state and state-society relations is examined. Heper&rsquo / s analysis is evaluated as an exemplar of the Ottoman state tradition paradigm. The examination of Heper&rsquo / s studies is intended to shed light on the premises and assumptions of this paradigm. In particular, the study focuses on the way Heper characterizes Ottoman state-society relations in contradistinction to the prevalent pattern of state-society relations in Western social formations so as to demonstrate the assumptions Heper builds upon. Heper&rsquo / s account of the Ottoman state tradition is discussed on the basis of an examination of his comparative perspective. The conceptual framework Heper relies on is delineated and certain methodological problems of his approach are indicated.