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The article reviews Mostafa Minawi's book "Losing Istanbul," which explores the dynamics of Arab-Ottoman elites during the decline of the Ottoman Empire, particularly through the lives of two members of the al-‘Azm family. The author employs a biographical and microhistorical approach to challenge the dominant Turcocentric narratives of Ottoman history, emphasizing the complexities of center-periphery relations and the experiences of Arab-Ottoman statesmen. While the book is praised for its original perspective, the reviewer raises concerns about the use of the term "imperialist" to describe the subjects and notes various inaccuracies and misunderstandings regarding Turkish terminology. Overall, the book is deemed significant for those interested in late Ottoman studies and the intricate history of the empire's final years. [Extracted from the article]