The Ottoman Empire

Rise of Ottoman TurksTurks under the leader Osman began to gain

territory from the declining Seljuk Turks in the late 13th century. This was the beginning of the Ottoman dynasty.

Ottomans began to expand into territories previously controlled by the Byzantine Empire.

Through the use of Janissaries (Christian soldiers from the Balkans who were converted to Islam) Ottomans began to take control in the Balkans.

Expansion of the EmpireFall of Constantinople

Ottomans moved to end the Byzantine Empire under the leadership of Mehmet II.

Mehmet II laid siege to Constantinople, beginning on April 6, 1453 and ending on May 29, 1453.

Istanbul (previously known as Constantinople) would become the empires capital.

Western Asia and Africa From 1514-1517, Sultan Selim I took control of

Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Arabia. Which included the holy cities of Jerusalem, Makkah (Mecca), and Madinah.

Selim declared himself the new caliph, defender of Islam and successor to Muhammad.

Ottomans used local rulers or pashas to govern newly conquered lands.

Expansion ContinuedEurope

Following the fall of Constantinople, Ottomans tried to conquer the rest of the Balkans, eventually being stopped by Hungarian forces in the Danube Valley.

Beginning in 1520, under Suleyman I, Ottomans once again tried to conquer more of Europe.

Ottomans went on to conquer most of Hungary and Austria, and gained control into the western Mediterranean territory before a naval defeat at the hands of the Spanish.

During the first half of the 17th century, Ottomans were content with their territory, in the second half, Ottomans once again went on the offensive.

They laid siege to Vienna, Austria, but were then defeated by a united army of Europeans, following the defeat, Ottomans would never again be a threat to central Europe.

Nature of Ottoman Rule Ottoman Empire is a “gunpowder empire” an empire formed by

outside conquerors who unified the regions that they conquered. Success was based on mastery of firearms.

Head of the Ottoman system was the sultan, who was the supreme in a political and military sense. Position was hereditary, however, it was not always the oldest son who gained control.

Topkapi (Iron Gate) Palace in Istanbul was the center of the Sultan’s power, here is where the sultan and his wives would reside.

A sultans mother would serve as the Queen Mother and act as a major adviser to the throne.

Bureaucracy was carried out by an imperial council headed by the Grand Vizier (chief minister)

Empire was divided into provinces and districts, governed by officials, and assisted by bureaucrats. Senior officials were responsible for collecting taxes and supplying armies for the empire from that area.

Religion in the Ottoman World

Ottomans were Sunni Muslims. Sultans claimed the title of Caliph since early 16th century.

Sultans gave religious duties to a group of religious advisers known as the ulema. This group administered the legal system, schools, and customs for all Muslims in the empire.

Ottomans were generally tolerant of non-Muslims. Non-Muslims paid a tax but were allowed to practice their religion. Most Europeans remained Christians, in some areas, such as present-day Bosnia, large numbers converted to Islam.

Ottoman SocietySubjects were divided by occupation into four

groups.Peasants- farmed lands that was leased by the state.Artisans- organized into craft guilds. Guilds provided

financial services, social security, and training to members.

Merchants- most privileged, exempt from taxes and regulations, and made large fortunes.

Pastoral Peoples- nomadic herders, had separate regulations and laws.

Women could own and inherit property, seek divorce, and not be forced into marriage. Some women served as senior officials and governors.

Problems in the Empire Ottoman Empire reached its height under Suleyman the

Magnificent (ruled 1520-1566)

Suleyman executed his two most able sons on suspicion of treason, leaving Selim II as the only surviving heir.

In 1699, the empire began to lose territory.

After the death of Suleyman, sultans became less involved in government and allowed ministers to exercise more power. Training of officials declined, and senior positions were increasingly assigned to well connected peoples.

Government offices became more corrupt, and taxes rose. Constant wars began to deplete the treasury.

Officials and Merchants began to imitate European lifestyles and culture. Many saw this as the decline of a once great Islamic empire.

Ottoman ArtOttoman Sultans were enthusiastic patrons of

arts

Flourishing production of pottery, rugs, silk, textiles, jewelry, arms, and armor.

Sophisticated and beautiful architecture was popular among the Ottomans.

Silk industry also resurfaced under Ottoman rule. Rugs made in different regions boasted their own distinctive designs and color schemes.

Questions (464-467)1. What is the meaning of Jihad?

2. What event marked the Ottomans as a European power?

3. Who were Janissaries, and why were they important to Suleyman?

4. How did Suleyman deal with cruel, oppressive governors?

5. Why did Mehmet believe it was necessary for potential heirs to the throne to kill their brothers?

6. Why were Gulbahar and Roxelena enemies?

7. Why did Suleyman kill his oldest son, Mustafa?

8. Who took the throne after Suleyman, and what was his nickname?

9. How did accession to the throne in European monarchies compare to the accession to Sultan in the Ottoman Empire?

10. Also answer the three questions in the “interpreting the past” box on page 467