Could anyone suggest some good books on the Ottoman Empire for a beginner, that aren't too academic and hard to read. I checked the reading list but it doesn't seem to have much on this topic.
I'm very interested in the culture, customs, architecture and style of dress around 1300-1600.
Osman's Dreams by Caroline Finkel and A History of The Ottoman Empire by Douglas Howard should be enough to get you started
For culture, customs, etc the best book i know is Daily Life in The Ottoman Empire by Mehrdad Kia. Encyclopedia of The Ottoman Empire is also a great supplement to your readings
If you're interested in military history, A Military History of The Ottoman Empire by Mesut Uyar is the best single-volume book of the Ottoman military imo