Ottoman Empire

Rise of Empire Turkish state made up of Anatolia, parts of Southwest Asia, North Africa, and South-eastern Europe 14th- 20th century

Essential Question What factors allowed Muslim empires to grow and flourish between the years 1300 to 1700?

The Silk Road –The Silk Road was an interconnected series of routes through southern Asia traversed by caravan and ocean vessel connecting China to the Middle East and from there to Europe Before the discovery of the sea route to India, the Silk Road was the most important connection between the East and West

The Silk Road (Cont’d) –Question: How did the Silk Road help these Middle Eastern societies grow? –Conduit not only for goods but also for the transmission of knowledge and ideas between east and west i.e., Buddhism spread from India to China along it –The Middle East served as the middle ground making it the prime location to trade at majority of trade had ended by the 1300’s Geography allowed it to grow

Two Major Empires The Ottoman Empire (Turkey) The Mughal Empire (India)

Ottoman Empire The empire was founded by Osman I in 1281 The leaders that followed took the title of Sultan

Suleiman I The height of the empire’s power came under Suleiman I – –He is considered one of the greatest Islamic rulers in history

Suleiman I Under his power the empire expanded its borders from the Persian Gulf to Hungary and Egypt to the Caucasus It was his policy to assist any Muslim country threatened by European expansion –His military was so advanced that most European nations were left in total fear

Ottoman Social Structure –a military state with a highly intricate bureaucracy The sultan’s slaves were janissaries, or young Christian boys of conquered Christian lands janissaries –highly trained, elite fighters that were at the heart of the Ottoman war machine »What advantage did this serve? –The Ottomans granted freedom of worship, particularly to Christians and Jews Young Greek boys being converted to Islam and becoming Janissaries

Ottoman Cultural Achievements –Ottoman leaders followed Islamic law, which covered most social matters –Suleiman simplified taxation and reduced the government bureaucracy, which made life better –Art, architecture, and literature also flourished, especially under Suleiman Suleiman’s Mosque

Suleiman I Was a tolerant conqueror –He absorbed some of the culture of the people they took over –Most of the Churches were left intact and only a few turned in mosques Ended government corruption and was a patron of the arts Nicknamed the lawgiver –Because he ordered the entire Ottoman law system overhauled Even with his advances the empire could not survive after his death

The Decline of the Ottomans –Suleiman set up the eventual downfall of the empire by choosing a weak heir Spain and Italy destroyed Selim’s Turkish fleet in 1571, limiting their military influence Massive instability and weak, ignorant Sultans resulted from power play for throne Although the power of the Ottomans declined, it wasn’t until the 20th century and World War I that it officially crumbled –Question: What factors allowed the Ottomans to grow to be so powerful?

Hagia Sophia Started as a church Was built by Constantius in Constantinople In 532 was burned down –Rebuilt by the Emperor Justinian from

Hagia Sophia Considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture Decorated with –Marble & Mosaics

Hagia Sophia 1453: Ottomans take over Constantinople the church was turned into a mosque The mosaics and all signs of Christianity were plastered over

The Blue Mosque Sultan Ahmed Mosque Built from Architect : Mehmed Aga Faces the Hagia Sophia to show that Ottoman architects & builders could rival Christians Given its name because of the dome and color of the paintwork inside

Blue Mosque It is the only mosque in Turkey with 6 minarets Main building is a square –Dome: 77ft in diameter & 140ft high –260 windows

Suleymaniye Mosque Second largest mosque in Istanbul Built from Architect: Sinan Suleiman & his wife are buried there