The Ottoman Empire was founded in 1299 by Osman I in northwestern Anatolia. It grew to be a powerful Sunni Islamic empire and caliphate under rulers like Murad I, Mehmed II, and Suleiman the Magnificent. Mehmed II conquered Constantinople in 1453, establishing Istanbul as the new capital and center of the Islamic world. In the 16th century, Suleiman expanded the empire significantly through his military campaigns in Europe and Asia. However, the empire began a slow decline in the late 16th century as its institutions and military failed to modernize. By the 19th century, the empire was weakened and faced defeats and invasions.

1. A Report about Ottoman Empire
By: Jose R. Lopez Jr.
Also historically referred to as the Turkish Empire or Turkey, was a Sunni Islamic sultanate and later
a caliphate founded by Oghuz Turks (tribe) under Osman I (leader) in northwestern Anatolia in 1299.
• Sunni Islamic - people of the tradition of Muhammad and the consensus of the Sunnah
• Sultanate - dynasty and lands ruled by a sultan are referred to as a sultanate
• Caliphate - is a form of Islamic political-religious leadership
Ertuğrul, father of Osman I, arrived in Anatolia from Merv (Turkmenistan) with 400 horsemen to aid
the Seljuks of Rum against the Byzantines. After the demise of the Turkish Seljuk Sultanate of Rum in the
14th century, Anatolia was divided into a patchwork of independent, mostly Turkish states, the so-
called Ghazi emirates. One of the emirates was led by Osman I.
Government
Before 19th and 20th centuries Ottoman Empire has two administrative division, Military
administration and Civil administration. Sultan was the highest position in the system. Sultan’s primary
responsibility was to defend and extend the land of the Muslims and to ensure security and harmony
within its borders.
Law
Sharia (Islamic law) is the moral code and religious law of a prophetic religion. It has two primary
sources. The precepts set forth in the Quranic verses, and the example set by the Islamic
prophet Muhammad in the Sunnah.
Qanun or Kanun, laws promulgated by Muslim sovereigns, in particular the Ottoman Sultans.
Military
 Janissary - elite infantry units that formed the Ottoman Sultan's household troops
and bodyguards
 Sipahi - was the name of several Ottoman cavalry corps during the nineteenth and twentieth
centuries
 Akıncı - were irregular light cavalry, scout divisions and advance troops of the Ottoman
Empire's military
 Mehteran - military marching band of the Ottoman Empire
Language
 Ottoman Turkish - was an Oghuz Turkic language highly influenced by Persian and Arabic
 Persian - only spoken by the educated

2.  Arabic - spoken mainly in Arabia, North Africa, Iraq, Kuwait, the Levant and parts of the Horn of
Africa
 Somali - throughout the Horn of Africa, a peninsula in Northeast Africa
 Turkish - current official language of Turkey
Architecture
Ottoman architecture was influenced by Persian, Byzantine, Greek, and Islamic architecture.
Cuisine
Ottoman cuisine - refers to the cuisine of the capital, Istanbul, and the regional capital cities. The
most common examples are:
• Yogurt
• Doner kebab
• Shawarma
• Pita bread
• Turkish coffee
History
Osman I
He is the founder of the Ottoman Empire. He is Tall, with dark complexion, and Hazel Eyes. He is a
Brilliant Rider and Swordsman. Man of the people, down to earth. In early 1300 with the Byzantine in
the west being led by Constantine, moved the Roman Capital from Rome to Constantinople. In 1302
Ottoman attacked Byzantine. Historians say that Ottoman’s motivation is practical. Their warriors are
known for their speed and power. Christians joins Osman because he is generous, he share the fruit of
their conquering.
In 1307 From Ottoman’s 400 soldiers became 4,000 soldiers. Followers of Osman I are called Osmanlis
or Ottomans. Ottomans judge people to what they can contribute because they are practical. Some of
the members are Sufis. Didn’t require praying in Mosques, didn’t require reading Quran, and some
worship thru dance wearing derby shoes to feel the Universe or Earth.
According to Ottoman Legends One night, Osman I dreamt about a Tree with growing branches.
He consulted a Sufi. The Sufi interpreted his dream that he would be the founder of a huge Empire with
many people under his sovereignty. After that, Osman married the Sufi’s daughter, and there was
Orhan, Osman’s Son. The great Ottoman Dynasty was born. Together, father and son built an Army. In
the year 1320 Ottomans expanded to country-side. In 1324 Osman I died at the age of 69 yrs. Old. Orhan
replaced Osman I as leader of Ottomans.
Orhan

3. Orhan wanted war. His’ first City taken is Bursa in 1324 by way of:
• Building tower on both side, outside of walls of Bursa’s Castle
• Bursa starved for 11 to 12 year period
• Many people died because of starvation
After the fall of Bursa, Orhan made Bursa his new Capital. He entitled himself KING or SULTAN. He
Established:
• Monetary system/issued coins
• Schools
• Mosques
• Monument of his father
And developed:
• Farming
• Carpentry
•
Orhan Build a regional power with control of trade-groups. He formed an alliance with the Byzantine
emperor John VI Kantakouzenos, and Married Kantakouzenos’ daughter as a thank you for helping
Byzantium.
In Early 1350 Orhan ordered 6,000 of his troops under helping Kantakouzenos. He begins Western
expansion to the Balkans and Beyond. Over the next 16 years Orhan continues to expand his territory
and consolidate his power. In just 60 years the Ottomans from tribes of nomad Orhan became ruler of
more than a half million people. In 1362 after a 38 year reign Orhan died at the age of 80. Murad I
continued the expansion of the tribe.
Murad I
Instead of Conquer and defeat, Murad I’s style is more on Conquer and Convert to Islam. He
made administering territories easier. More Christians recognize Ottomans as liberators than oppressors
because he collects lower taxes than his enemies. He formed the Janissaries, meaning "new soldier“,
were elite infantry units that formed the Ottoman Sultan's household troops and bodyguards.
Murad I’s Janissaries
The Janissaries were formed thru inspection of young Christian boys in town. Selected became
conscript of Europe’s 1st
standing Army. They were called Janissaries or “New Troops”. At first, parents
panic and hide their sons. They also ask to remove from list on parish. Some made their son marry at the
age of 12 years old in order to be in marriage exception. But, over time their attitude changed. Families
realized how prestigious the path was. Selected were brought to Ottoman Capital and converted to
Islam. They underwent physical training and war drills. After training, marked with a symbol and
number, and being sent to work for physical progress. Strongest and the brightest were sent to palace’s

4. school to finish their education. Some were trained to play a mehter band as psychological support that
leads the Janissaries to battle. Janissaries who demonstrated extraordinary bravery and loyalty became
Councilors, Administrators, and Deputies of Sultan’s family. Murad I and the Janissaries turned Ottoman
State into a true Empire.
Start of Deadly Tradition
In 1389 Murad I died at the age of 70 years old. Bayezid I replaced his father Murad I because
according to him his father turned over the leadership to him. He ordered the murder of his older
brother Yakul. And, it set a deadly tradition in the Ottoman dynasty.
15th
Century
• Ottoman Empire rouse and fell dramatically
• Bayezid I’s expansion over Europe and Asia ended in defeat
• Defeated by the Central Asian warlord Timur at the Battle of Ankara on 20 July 1402
Ottoman Interregnum
It was a civil war in the Ottoman Empire between the sons of Sultan Bayezid I. Mehmed was
confirmed as sultan by Timur. But, His brothers İsa , Musa , Süleyman , and later, Mustafa , refused to
recognize his authority. Each of them is claiming the throne for himself. Civil war was the result. The
Interregnum lasted for 11 years until the Battle of Çamurlu on 5 July 1413. When Mehmed emerged as
victor in the strife he crowned himself sultan Mehmed I, and restored the empire.
In 26 May, 1421 Mehmed I died at the age 40. Murad II Lead the Janissaries in a 21 year Military
Campaign in Europe. In 1444 Murad II is 23 year in power, retired and turned over the leadership to his
12 yrs. Old son Mehmed II. After 2 years, Murad II returned Sultan because of conquest threat.
Mehmed II
In 1451 Murad II died. Mehmed II assumed throne for the 2nd
time at 19 yrs. Old. He
experienced doubts on leadership from the Janissaries. He banished those Janissary soldiers who doubt
his leadership, and demanded loyalty from the remaining Janissaries. After that he turned his eyes on
Constantinople. He studies science of war night and day.
Preparation for the Seige of Constantinople
In the Spring of 1452 Mehmed II ordered the construction of new fortress 6 miles away from the
outer walls of Constantinople. It was completed in just 4 ½ months with the existing fortress on the
other side. 2 fortress guards supplies to Constantinople. Mehmed II is clear to his intentions. He ordered
6,000 troops to march in his two fortresses. Byzantine Emperor Constantine XI was terrified.
Constantinople became depopulated, from a million populations became 40,000 people.

5. Orban the Cannon maker
Orban is a brilliant Hungarian Cannon maker. He offered his service to Mehmed II because
Constantine cannot afford his price. Mehmed paid him 4 times than Constantine XI pays him. Orban
built artillery with world’s largest cannon with a barrel measuring 26 feet long and a thousand pound
cannon ball that can range over a mile. The explosion could be heard 10 miles away. It can only be fired
3 times a day to take care of it.
Siege of Constantinople
April 6, 1453, siege of Constantinople begin. With Constantinople’s 9,000 soldiers against
Ottoman’s 100,000 soldiers, the battle begin. Ottoman’s along with their Catapults and Ladder attacked
Constantinople. 150 ships approaches Constantinople but they were hindered by the Chain of Golden
Horn.
May 29, 1453, after 7 weeks of intent siege Mehmed II ordered the final assault. 1st
wave were
frontlines of irregular soldiers. 2nd
wave was regimental troops. And, the final wave is the 5,000
Janissaries. Constantine died in the Fall of Constantinople. Mehmed II declared Constantinople the
Islamic Ottoman Capital. It is when he got his title “Mehmed the Conqueror”.
Golden age of Ottoman
After the fall of Constantinople, Mehmed II named Constantinople to Istanbul. He rebuild
Constantinople (Istanbul). He build the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in
the world, with 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000
visitors daily. He recruited Tradesman and Craftsman. In 1465 he build Topkapi Palace, a large palace
in Istanbul, Turkey, that was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years
(1465–1856) of their 624-year reign. Istanbul became the center of the Islamic World.
In May 3 1481 Mehmed II died in natural causes at the age of 49 yrs. Old. Bayezid II led the
Ottoman Empire. But, it is known for the stage of tranquility because Bayezid II’s reign was peaceful.
Selim I
In 1512 Selim I, Son of Bayezid II forces his father to retire. His reign begins brutally. He killed 2
brothers and 5 nephews by his order. Some historians believe Selim I poisoned his father. He conquered
even Muslim rulers. He swept Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt. And, he captured Jerusalem, Mecca, and
Medina. Selim I took the title of “Caliph of Islam” (head of Islam). He is undefeated, nd doubled the size
of the Empire.
In 1520 Selim I died of infection. Suleiman, governor of Sarukhan (Manisa) replaced his father,
and titled himself “Suleiman the Magnificent”.
Suleiman the Magnificent

6. In 16th
Century, Europe Leaders were:
• England – Henry VIII
• France – Francis I
• Habsburg – Charles V
• Russia – Ivan the terrible
• Ottoman – Suleiman I
Suleiman saw himself as a major player, and he’s about to prove it. At the age of 26, he launched his
1st
military campaign, pushed in deeper Europe, and conquered Belgrade on August of 1521, Island of
Rhodes in 1522, and Hungarian Capital of Buddha in 1526.
New Navy
Suleiman joined Hayreddin Barbarossa, one of the Mediterranean's feared pirates, Admiral of
his fleets; build a fleet of 200 ships.
Franco-Ottoman alliance
Was an alliance established in 1536 between the king of France Francis I and the Turkish sultan
of the Ottoman Empire Suleiman the Magnificent. The alliance has been called "the first non-ideological
diplomatic alliance of its kind between a Christian and non-Christian empire“. Ottoman embassies were
sent to France; with the Ottoman embassy to France (1533) led by Hayreddin Barbarossa. Ottoman
embassy to France (1534) led by representatives of Suleiman. They expanded to Russia, Eastern Europe,
Middle East and North Africa.
Suleiman, a politician took the side of Protestants. Some say that Protestants would have
emerged without the help of the Ottomans, because of Ottomans financial capability. Suleiman started
his architectural evolution. He called Mimar Sinan, a military engineer, a Janissary, and an architectural
genius. In 40 years he designed and built 79 Mosques, 34 Palaces, 19 tombs, and 60 significant
Monument and Buildings.
Suleiman to his people is Kanuni, “the law giver”. To Europeans he is Suleiman the Magnificent.
He develops a legal system based on precedent and case law. He insisted that all new law must be
compatible with Christian and Western traditions.
Concubines – were non-Muslim women a sex slave of the Ottoman Sultans, coming from conquering or
sold by tradesman.
Imperial Harem - was the Ottoman sultan's harem composed of the wives, servants (both female
slaves and eunuchs), female relatives, and the sultan's concubines, occupying a secluded portion of
the Ottoman imperial household.

7. Eunuchs - is a man who (by the common definition of the term) may have been castrated, typically
early enough in his life for this change to have major hormonal consequences.
Suleiman didn’t follow the tradition where Sultans are not into marriage. Suleiman married a
Concubine Roxana, a Ukrainian girl. And, Suleiman produced 6 children with her.
In 1566 Suleiman died old in sleep at the age of 72 years while in a campaign in Hungary. 46 year
reign with advances in law, art and architecture. There’s nothing left to conquer. Ottoman Empire is
failing to modernize its tactics and technology. Sultans no longer lead their armies in battles. Sultans are
just head running control of others.
Late 16th
Century
• Period of Ottoman’s slow decline
• Institutions failed
In 1595 Mehmed III take power after killing young princesses. This was known for the most violent
dynastic killing in Ottoman Empire. Following Sultans were weak, minors or inexperienced.
Late 18th
Century
Ottoman army was in ruins
• 1774 – defeated by Russia’s Catherine the Great in Crimea
• 1798 – Napoleon’s invasion in Egypt
The end of Janissaries
During the 19th
Century mighty Janissaries became corrupt and rebels. They were being out of
control. In 1826, Mahmud II, one of the few competent Sultans after Suleiman, trained 10,000 new
troops loyal to him. He Attacked Janissaries, and Janissaries era was over.
But still, the Empire is suffering from System failures in:
• Tax collection
• Administrator
• Legal System
• Infrastructures
• Expansion
Ottomans were called the “Sick Men of Europe”.
July 2, 1839 – June 2, 1861
Abdulmecid I, Mahmud II’s successor look for the west for help. He has the influence of British
aristocratic class. European styles in his dress band his surroundings. He abandoned Topkapi Palace, and

8. ordered to build the Magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, which took 13 years to complete. Abdulmecid I
made Dolmabahce Palace his new residence. In 1876, Ottoman declared bankruptcy.
20th
Century
Abdul Hamid II continues to rebuild the reputation of the empire. He commissioned the most
prominent photographer to document the best of the empire. The Sultan personally presented over
1,000 photographs to the U.S. Library of Congress and British Museum. He was hoping to convince the
Western World of the Ottoman Empire’s technological development and industrial advances. But,
however it doesn’t tell the truth.
Balkan Wars
Balkan Wars were two conflicts that took place in the Balkan Peninsula in south-eastern Europe
in 1912 and 1913. Ottoman Empire was falling apart because of economic and political crisis. Some are
successful in gaining independence from Ottoman Empire such as:
• Bulgaria
• Romania
• Serbia
• Albania
• Greece
Young Turks
• Were a political reform movement in the early 20th century
• Favoring replacement of the absolute monarchy of the Ottoman Empire with a constitutional
monarchy
• Later officially known as the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP)
• Their leaders led a rebellion against the absolute rule of Sultan Abdul Hamid II in the
1908 Young Turk Revolution
World War I
During the World War I Ottomans face bankruptcy and economic disasters. Ottomans’ sided
with Germany against Great Britain, France and Russia. Ottomans’ successfully protected their
remaining territories. But, the End of World War I Meant defeat of Germans and the Ottomans.
However, it is the rise of Mustafa Kemal (one of the young Turks).
Treaty of Sevres (August 10, 1920) – was a peace treaty between the Ottoman Empire and Allies at the
end of World War I
Mehmed V
• Was the 35th Ottoman Sultan
• The son of Sultan Abdulmecid I

9. • Succeeded by his half-brother Mehmed VI
Mehmed VI
• Was the 36th and last Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
• Was removed from the throne when the Ottoman sultanate was abolished in 1922
Abdulmecid II
• Was the last Sunni Caliph of Islam from the Ottoman Dynasty
• 18 November 1922, elected Caliph by the Turkish National Assembly at Ankara
• 3 March 1924, together with his family, he was deposed and expelled from Turkey
Timeline of the Ottoman Empire
1. Rise (1299–1452)
2. Growth (1453–1683)
3. Stagnation (1683–1827)
4. Decline (1828–1908)
5. Dissolution (1908–1923)