Ottoman – Founding Osman – most successful ghazi (religious warrior) Allied ghazis to attack Byzantine Empire Power vacuum left behind by Mongols and the Seljuk Kingdom

Ottoman - Religion Muslim – Early roots in Sufi Islam – Eventually, Sunni Muslim state Freedom of worship to other faiths Jewish and Christian communities (millets) allowed to have own laws and practices by paying small tax

Ottoman - Leaders Orhan (or Orkhan) Conquered major cities, including Bursa Mehmed II Conquered Constantinople in 1453 Selim (the Grim) Conquered into Muslim lands Suleyman the Magnificent Expanded empire to largest size Created tax & legal code (“the lawgiver”) Like Renaissance in Europe

Ottoman – Military Success Gunpowder – Musket carrying foot soldiers replace archers Cannons Devshirme System - young Christian boys from conquered areas drafted for military service Janissaries - Elite soldiers loyal to sultan

Ottoman – Empire Decline Suleyman killed oldest (most able) son not born to his wife – Incompetent son followed Resulted in weak sultans that led to slow decline over 350 years

Safavid - Founding “Safavid” – Islamic brotherhood founded by Safi al-Din Actual empire begins with 12 yo Isma’il – Began take over of Persia – Title of Shah (king)

Safavid - Religion Muslim – Shi’ite as state religion Isma’il – religious tyrant – Required conversion and put any non-convert to death (including Sunni Muslims)

Safavid - Leaders Shah Abbas Drew from best of Ottoman, Persian and Arab Reformed military – limited power and created armies loyal to him Reformed gov’t – Punished corruption; promoted loyal and talented Supported other religions to encourage European trade and artisans to move

Safavid – Military Success Developed artillery Modeled one army after Ottoman janissaries (soldiers from Christian north)

Safavid - Decline Similar to Ottoman situation Shah Abbas eliminated ablest sons – Incompetent grandson took over String of incompetent or ruthless rulers until collapse in 1747

Mughal - Founding Combination of Mongols, Turks, Afghans Name means “Mongols” Founded by Babur at age 11 – What is now Tajikistan/Uzbekistan

Mughal - Religion Muslim Religious freedom – Akbar married Hindu, allowed her to maintain her faith – Abolished taxes on other religions Hindus and Muslims both rise to high levels of gov’t

Mughal - Leaders Akbar Oversaw golden age from Graduated income tax similar to that of US Encouraged arts and literature Shah Jahan Built Taj Mahal – memorial for wife

Mughal – Military Success Hindu rajput as officers Heavy artillery, cannons

Mughal - Decline Empire drained of resources by poor leadership and war Famine Increased power at local level; Mughal emperor became figurehead Imperialist Europeans further weakened