The Ottoman Empire

The Rise of the Ottomans Originated in Asia Minor (Turkey) and conquered the Byzantines. The Turkish warriors who fought were called ghazis and their leader’s name was Osman. The Ottomans were actually conquered by Mongols from Asia. This divided the empire. Mehmed II took power and continued to expand. Sultans gathered skilled soldiers called Janissaries. They were young war captives who were trained in Islam and fought for the sultan. These soldiers fought to expand the empire.

The Rise of the Ottomans Capital City was Istanbul (formerly Constantinople). Mehmed II conquered Constantinople in 1453, which brought the Byzantine Empire to the End. They renamed the city Istanbul.

The Rise of the Ottomans As they expanded, the Ottoman merchants expanded their already large trading network.

Ottoman Leaders

Ottoman Leaders Osman Suleiman I “The Magnificent” First Leader His name is the root word for Ottoman. Suleiman I “The Magnificent” 1520-1566 Known as the greatest Ottoman sultan. Brought the empire to the height of its power. Named the “Law Giver” for his reorganization of Ottoman Laws. ruled during the “Golden Age” of architecture, painting, poetry, and calligraphy. Saw himself as the most powerful leader on Earth.

Ottoman Government and Society Sultan- absolute ruler of the Ottomans. Political and religious leader. viziers- second in command. Enforced the Sultan’s decisions throughout the Empire. 2 Groups of people ruling class reaya- “protected flock.” made up of ordinary subjects. reaya could become ruling class and ruling class lacking skill could become reaya.

Ottomans and World Trade By 1600, the Ottomans controlled major trade routes between Asia and Europe. Their strength enhanced world trade because the roads were safe and easy to travel on. Goods flowed between Europe and Asia on caravans. important exports included coffee and ceramics.

Ottoman Religious Tolerance The Ottomans Ruled a Diverse Empire. Many religious groups and cultures were allowed to practice religious faiths other than Muslim if they paid a tax. Non-Muslim religious groups were also allowed to run their own affairs and communities called millets. Non-Muslim leaders could be elected to represent the millets and present their views to the Ottoman government.

Decline of the Ottoman Empire By 1600, the Ottomans had reached the peak of their power (unquestioned leaders of Muslim world) The Ottomans found that the Empire was caught between two very powerful enemies. Persia (Iran) to the East Western Europe to the West (France, Spain, Poland) Slowly, the Ottoman Empire was chipped away from the edges by these emerging powers They lost their monopoly over trade between Europe and Asia. Other factors: the government became corrupt and rebellions among the Janissaries. The empire actually existed until 1918 when it was divided up by the French and English after WWI.

Review Questions for the Ottomans What were the name of the warriors who fought for the Ottomans? Ghazis