1. Aim: What were the main characteristics of the Ottoman and Safavid empires?
Do Now: Think back to when we studied Constantinople. What do you already know about the Ottomans from this?

2. Words to know Millet-non-religious community
Janizary-the Ottoman Army’s elite force
Shah-king

3. Ottoman Empire The Ottomans were a Turkish-speaking people.
They migrated from Central Asia to northwestern Asia Minor.
After they expanded across Asia Minor into southeastern Europe, they established a capital located in the Balkan,Peninsula
They ruled the largest and most powerful empire
Ottoman rule was extended into Mesopotamia, Kurdistan and Georgia.

4. Suleiman Suleiman ruled from 1520-1566.
He was a brilliant general who modernized the army and conquered new land.
Westerners called him Suleiman the Magnificent.
“Lawgiver” was another name his people called him.
As a result of his conquests, the Ottoman Empire took control of Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, Damascus, Cairo, Baghdad, many Balkan Peninsula and North Africa.

5. Ottoman Culture
The Laws of the Ottomans was based on Sharia , raised by royal decree.
The government officials closely worked with religious scholars.
The Ottomans were divided into four classes.
Can you guess who is where on the pyramid?

6. Ottoman Social Classes
Scientist, lawyers, judges,and poets
Social classes in the Ottoman Empire were very different from many previous Empires and social class was not determined by birth and there was social mobility.
Soldiers
Ottoman Social Classes
Merchants, tax collectors and artisans
Farmers and Herders

7. The Safavid Empire Safavids were Shi’ite Muslims.
The Safavid empire was a strong empire in Persia (present day Iran)
Due to religious differences, there was frequent warfare between Mughal India, the Ottoman empire, and the Safavid empire.
The Ottomans disliked the Shi’ite beliefs.
The Safavid empire kept Persian culture alive.

8. Abbas the Great Abbas was the shah of Safavid.
He was known as Abbas the Great.
He was given the glory of ancient Persia.
Shah Abbas centralized the government and organized a powerful military force on the Ottoman janizaries.
He used force and diplomacy against the Ottoman Empire.

9. Economy
In order to strengthen the economy, Shah Abbas reduced the amount of taxes on farmers and herders.
The growth of Industry was encouraged.
Abbas accepted non-Muslims and cherished their economic contributions.
In Isfahan he built a new capital, the center of the silk trade international.

10. Differences between Ottoman and Safavid Empires
-Sunni Muslims
-More tolerant
-Wrote in Turkish
Safavid
-Shi’ite Muslims
-Less tolerant
-Wrote in Persian

12. Today's Activity
Analyze and answer the questions on the images of the Ottomans and Safavid Empires.
With your group, come up with a skit based on your image.
(10min for questions, 10min for skits, and 10 min for presentations. Skits shouldn't be longer than 2 min.)

13. Exit Slip
What did you find most interesting between the Ottoman and Safavid Empires?
What achievements came from the Ottoman and Safavid Empires?
Do you believe Abbas deserved the title "the Great?"