The political economy of mass printing: Legitimacy and technological change in the Ottoman Empire

► Ottomans heavily regulated printing for centuries; printing quickly spread in Europe. ► Different reaction to technology explained by economic incentives of rulers and agents. ► Cultural arguments do not suffice; Ottomans quickly adopted military technology. ► Printing regulations prevented undermining legitimacy given by religious authorities. ► Ottomans allowed printing in 18th century after other sources of legitimacy emerged.