The Ottoman

Empire
Objectives:

● I can understand how the Ottomans established and

expanded their empire, blending various cultures
and influencing both the Middle East and Europe.
● I can identify key figures, events, and innovations
that contributed to the rise and fall of the Ottoman
Empire.
Introduction – The Ottoman Empire: A
Legacy of Power and Culture
 Can you guess what
country today was once
the Ottoman Empire?
The Ottoman Empire at its height
controlled vast territories beyond
what is now Turkey. While modern
Turkey emerged from the core of the
Ottoman Empire, many other
modern countries were once part of
its vast domain.

BONUS!
What is the significance of
Turkey in the context of the
Ottoman Empire's history and
identity?
Where in
the
WORLD?
Where did the Ottoman Empire
begin? How did it expand?
Instructions:

● Look at the map on the next slide showing the Ottoman Empire’s expansion
over different periods: 1451, 1481, 1521, and 1566.
● Notice the key regions conquered during these years.
● Answer the following questions:

● What areas did the Ottomans control in 1451? How does this change by 1566?

● What are some important cities that the Ottomans conquered between 1451 and
1566?

● What do you think made the Ottomans so successful in controlling such a large
area?
Map of Ottoman Expansion (1451-1566)
 Background of the Region
Islam was a major religion in the Middle East, with many people following its
teachings. Despite attacks from outside groups, the Islamic world remained
strong. The Seljuks, a group of Turkish-speaking warriors, captured Baghdad,
which was a key city for trade and culture. They also took Anatolia
(modern-day Turkey) from the Byzantines, further spreading Islamic beliefs.

The Ottoman Empire started as a

small state around Bursa in
Anatolia (now Turkey). By the late
1400s, the empire had expanded
into eastern Europe.
Still don’t get it? See the
next slide!
 THE SELJUKS?
The Seljuks were a group of Turkish-speaking warriors who became powerful in the Middle East during
the 11th century. They played a significant role in shaping the region's history. One of their major
accomplishments was capturing Baghdad in 1055. Baghdad was a vital city because it was a center for
trade (where people bought and sold goods) and culture (a hub for art, science, and learning). The
capture of Baghdad allowed the Seljuks to spread Islam.

Before the Seljuks came to power, the Byzantine Empire controlled much of Anatolia (modern-day
Turkey) and was one of the most powerful empires in the world. The Byzantine Empire was the eastern
part of the Roman Empire that survived after the fall of the western part. It was known for its rich culture,
trade, and strong military. The Byzantines practiced Christianity, which was different from the Islamic
beliefs that the Seljuks promoted.

When the Seljuks took control of Anatolia, they weakened the Byzantine Empire (because it was part of
it), which had already been struggling to defend its territory against outside forces. The Seljuks'
expansion into Anatolia marked the beginning of a significant change in the region, as they introduced
Islamic beliefs and culture to an area that had been primarily Christian. This led to a blending of cultures
and significant changes in the way people lived, worshiped, and interacted in these regions.
The Rise The Ottoman Empire was founded in 1299 by Osman I, a leader of a

of the
Turkish tribe in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). At that time, Anatolia was
made up of several small Turkish tribes and was influenced by the Byzantine
Ottoman Empire. Osman I aimed to create a powerful empire by uniting these tribes
Empire and expanding beyond Anatolia.

To build loyalty among the diverse population, Osman established a

government that treated different religious groups fairly, allowing Muslims,
Christians, and Jews to practice their own beliefs. This tolerance helped
him gain support from the communities he conquered.

Under Osman I’s leadership, the Ottomans began expanding their territory,
capturing important cities and regions. This laid the groundwork for one of
history's most significant empires, known for its military strength, cultural
achievements, and lasting influence across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
 Early Expansion
Orkhan I, the son of Osman, became Sultan and continued expanding
the empire. He declared himself Sultan and led military campaigns to
capture new territories. By 1361, he had taken Adrianople (now Edirne),
a significant city that helped the Ottomans control trade routes. The
Ottomans were among the first to use cannons effectively in battle,
which gave them a military advantage.
Turks conquer Adrianople
(second most important city in the Byzantine Empire)
One of the reasons behind the Ottomans military
success was based on the use of gunpowder.
The use of gunpowder helped develop their skills in using the muskets since they
lacked experience with gunpowder weaponry at first. eventually replaced their
archers on horseback with musket-carrying foot soldiers.
The Ottomans ruled in a
kind way. Muslims had to
serve in the army but paid
no taxes. Non-Muslims
paid tax but did not serve
in the army. Many joined
Islam just to avoid the tax.
Most people adjusted
easily to their new rule.
Over the next 150 years the Ottoman Empire continued to expand. The most powerful
empire in the land at the time was the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire).
Mehmed II
Conquers
Constantinople

In 1453, Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror,

captured Constantinople, a city that had been the capital of the
Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years. He renamed it
Istanbul. This victory was important because it ended the
Byzantine Empire and established Istanbul as a key center for
trade, culture, and religion, where different communities (Muslims,
Christans and Jews) could coexist.
Taking control of Constantinople?
So what?
-Wait …
❏ It took control of the
Bosporus Strait
❏ It allowed for travel
between Asia and the
Balkans
❏ It opened the city up
to many religions
(Jews, Christians, and
Muslims)
When Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Empire, a large
number of scholars and artists fled to Italy. This helped to
spark the European Renaissance. It also caused the
European nations to begin to search for new trade routes to
the Far East, beginning the Age of Exploration.
 Ottomans Take Islam’s Holy Cities
During the early 1500s, Selim the Grim ruled the Ottoman Empire and expanded
its territory significantly. He conquered Mecca and Medina, the two holiest cities in
Islam, strengthening the Ottomans' position as a leading power in the Muslim
world. By capturing these cities, Selim earned the title of Caliph, gaining religious
legitimacy and respect among Muslims.

Selim also took Cairo, a major center of learning and culture, which enhanced the
empire's educational influence. These victories marked a turning point for the
Ottoman Empire, solidifying its status as a dominant power in the Middle East and
a key player in Islamic history.
 Suleyman the Magnificent’s Reign
Suleyman I, known as Suleyman the Magnificent, ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566.
During his reign, the empire reached its greatest extent, capturing key cities such as Belgrade
and expanding further into Europe.

Key Achievements:

● Territorial Expansion: Suleyman led successful military campaigns that significantly increased
the empire's size and influence, marking the peak of Ottoman power.
● Legal Reforms: He earned the title "The Lawgiver" because of his efforts to create a fair and
organized legal system. These reforms helped standardize laws and made justice more
accessible to the diverse peoples of the empire.
● Unity and Diversity: Suleyman's policies promoted unity among the various ethnic and
religious groups within the empire, fostering a sense of community and stability.

Overall, Suleyman's reign is often seen as a golden age for the Ottoman Empire, characterized by
military success, legal innovation, and cultural flourishing.
 What did Suleyman do for the
Ottoman Empire?
Cultural Growth: Suleyman's reign saw significant cultural flourishing in the Ottoman Empire.
Support for the Arts: He actively supported artists, leading to advancements in painting,
calligraphy, and ceramics.
Architectural Achievements: The construction of the Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul
showcased Ottoman architectural innovation.
Encouragement of Literature: Suleyman promoted literature and poetry, contributing to a vibrant
literary scene.
Legal Reforms and Religious Cooperation: His legal reforms promoted cooperation among
different religious groups, allowing for free practice of beliefs, fostering unity and diversity.
Military System: Janissaries and Devshirme

The Janissaries were a special group of soldiers in the Ottoman

Empire. They were recruited through a system called devshirme,
where boys from Christian families were taken, trained, and taught
to serve the Sultan. This gave the empire loyal and skilled fighters.

During Suleyman the Magnificent's rule, the Janissaries were

very important in battles that helped the empire grow. Suleyman
depended on them for military victories, and they were loyal to him.
The Janissaries also became powerful and influenced decisions in
the empire.

In short, the Janissaries were a key part of the Ottoman military

during Suleyman's time, helping to make the empire strong and
successful.
 The Decline of the Ottoman
Empire

What were the reasons for the fall of the

Ottoman Empire?
The Decline of the Ottoman Empire
Introduction (Context):

● The Ottoman Empire was one of the most powerful

empires of its time, spanning three continents and
lasting for over 600 years. Under leaders like Suleyman
the Magnificent, it reached its golden age.
● However, after reaching its peak, the empire began to
slowly decline due to poor leadership and internal
problems.
Main Content:
● Suleyman’s Actions:
○ Though a great leader,
Suleyman made critical
mistakes toward the end of
his reign.
○ He killed his most capable
son, exiled another, and
left the throne to his weak
son, Selim II.
● …. BUT WHY?
Suleyman the Magnificent's decisions about his sons were
shaped by several key factors:
1. Political Stability: Fearing that his capable son, Mustafa, might threaten
his rule due to his military support, Suleyman felt compelled to eliminate
him to secure his position.
2. Exile as a Safeguard: Suleyman exiled Cem to reduce potential threats.
While intended to protect his reign, Cem's exile separated him from
important political connections.
3. Weakness of Selim II: Suleyman chose to pass the throne to Selim II, his
third son, believing a weak ruler would safeguard his legacy. This
backfired, as Selim II proved ineffective, contributing to the empire's
decline.
4. Tradition: The Ottoman custom of fratricide—killing brothers to eliminate
rivals—also influenced Suleyman's brutal decisions regarding succession.
Set a Precedent:

● To maintain control, later sultans adopted a harsh practice of killing

their brothers. This was done to remove any rivals who might threaten
their power.
● Sultans also kept their sons locked away in the harem, which is a part
of the palace. This isolation meant the sons didn’t receive education or
gain any experience that would prepare them to rule.

● Consequences:
○ This practice led to a series of weak and ineffective rulers,
contributing to the empire’s downfall.
Answer 1, 3, 4, 5 as homework: Due
Tuesday Sep. 17