Middle Ages and the Ottoman Empire

The clergy were religious officials who performed religious duties and provided spiritual guidance to the community. They served as priests, teachers, judges, nurses, landlords, and chaplains.

The nobles were the ruling class in medieval society. They owned land, governed their territories, and were expected to defend the king and their families. They were considered superior by birth.

Peasants were the largest group in medieval society. They worked the land and provided food for the nobles and clergy. They lived in villages and depended on the protection of the nobles in exchange for their labor.

Burghers were the residents of towns and cities. They engaged in trade and business, often working as entrepreneurs.

Feudalism was the social and political system that emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was a hierarchical system, with a king at the top, followed by lords, vassals, and peasants. The system was decentralized and localized, with power and authority distributed among different levels of the hierarchy.

The Ottoman Empire was a large and powerful empire that conquered many lands, including parts of Europe. The empire allowed religious communities, called millets, to have autonomy.

In Western Europe during the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church was a powerful force that had a significant influence on society. The Church believed Islam to be a threat, even though the Ottoman Empire allowed for the practice of different faiths. This view stemmed from historical conflicts and religious differences.

In Medieval Europe, the lives of peasants were often difficult and challenging. They worked long hours, suffered from diseases and famine, and lacked education and opportunity. A large portion of their earnings was spent on food, and many people, especially in towns and cities, relied on charity to survive.