15-1 The Ottoman Empire

Expansion of the Empire Group of Turks start to conquer present-day Turkey Build a strong army called janissaries (local Christian population and converted them to Islam) Mastered the technology of firearms Took control of Serbs and Bulgaria

Control of Byzantine Empire For 300 yrs (1300s – 1600s), expanded rule over western Asia, North Africa, and Europe With Mehmed II in power, they attack and conquer the Byzantine Empire (Roman Empire) Capital city at Constantinople – renamed Istanbul

Conquering Asia and Africa Sultan: king in Islamic nation Sultan Selim I took control of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Arabia – Islamic nations Declares himself the new caliph (successor of Muhammad)

Expansion into Europe Took control of Romania and Hungary; tried to go after Austria, but lost Could not control the Spanish 1 st half of 17 th century, they have internal problems, so they are not trying to conquer more land Go after Austria again and European armies defeat them and kick them out of Hungary too So they do not advance into central Europe

The Nature of Ottoman Rule Sultan was the supreme authority – Hereditary position – Not necessary for the eldest son “gunpowder empire”

The Imperial Sultans As the empire grew, so did the power of the sultans Harem: private domain of sultan – sacred place He chose 4 wives as his favorite When his son became a sultan, his mom becomes the queen mother and acted as major adviser to the throne Bureaucracy Empire divided into provinces governed by officials He lived in Topkapi Palace

Religion Sunni Muslims Sultans – were caliph – gave religious duties to ulema Islamic law and customs applied to all Muslims in the Empire Tolerant of other religions in their empire Most people in the European part of territory remained Christian Places like present day Bosnia converted to Islam

Architecture and the Arts (Sinan – 81 mosques)

Society Artisans, Peasants, Pastoral Peoples Merchants Ruling Class Sultan Women were subject to the same restrictions like other Muslim nations, but their position was somewhat better

Problems in the Empire Late 17 th century, sultans became less involved in gov’t; gave power to officials Corruption and high taxes Started borrowing European lifestyle