This document provides an introduction to three major Islamic empires that existed from the 15th to 17th centuries: the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires. It states that the Ottoman Empire was one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires in the world during this time, controlling the Mediterranean region. It also briefly describes the Safavid Empire in Persia and Mughal Empire in India, noting that the Safavid Empire was mostly Shi'ite and a rival of the Ottoman Empire, while the Mughal Empire was ruled by a Muslim minority over a Hindu majority population. The document concludes by listing some primary sources for students to analyze related to these three empires.