The Ottoman Empire Overview

Study Notes

Founded by Turkish tribes in Anatolia (Asia Minor), the Ottoman Empire became a dominant world power during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Spanning over 600 years, the Ottoman period ended in 1922.
The name "Ottoman" originates from the Arabic version of Osman, the first ruler.
Constantinople was renamed Istanbul and became the empire's capital.
In the 15th century, Istanbul thrived as a hub for trade and architectural innovation.
The empire expanded throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, encompassing parts of the Middle East, North Africa, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, reaching the walls of Vienna.
Süleyman the Magnificent, one of the empire's longest-reigning sultans, ruled during the 16th century, a period of peak power.
During Süleyman's reign, the empire developed a new legal code and underwent a cultural Renaissance, blending Christian, Islamist, and Arabic elements.
The Ottoman Empire hosted one of the largest Jewish communities in the world by the early 16th century.
The empire extended its reach across the Arab world, from Cairo to Algiers.
The empire's decline was triggered by the outbreak of World War I, the rise of Arab nationalism, and war propaganda movements across the Arab world.
After 600 years, the Ottoman legacy remains evident in its powerful military, diverse population, artistic endeavors, religious tolerance, and architectural marvels.
The modern-day Turkish Republic, a secular nation, is often viewed by scholars as a continuation of the Ottoman legacy.