The Ottoman Empire began in 1299 in Turkey and lasted over 600 years, becoming one of the largest and most powerful empires in history. It grew rapidly by conquering neighboring lands and allowing conquered peoples to maintain their own cultures and religions as long as they paid taxes. The empire reached its peak under Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, controlling territory from Hungary to the Persian Gulf. However, it began declining after his death, and was weakened by nationalism and debt, culminating in its defeat in World War I when the Ottoman lands were divided among Allied powers.