Ottoman Empire 1400 1700 Who were the Ottomans

Ottoman Empire 1400 -1700

Who were the Ottomans? � Turkish speaking nomadic people from Central Asia � At the height of their power, the Ottoman empire stretched from Hungary to Arabia and Mesopotamia across North Africa.

Constantinople Falls � Sultan Mehmet II conquered Constantinople in 1453. � This became the new capitol for the Ottoman Empire. � After they conquered Constantinople, they continued their conquest for the next 200 years!!!

Sultan Suleiman � Ruled from 1520 -1566 � He was called Suleiman the Magnificent � He modernized the army and conquered new lands. ◦ He extended the Empire east (Kurdistan to Georgia) ◦ 1529 -beseiged Vienna causing fear in Western Europe (but didn’t take it over. � Suleiman made the government stronger and improved the justice system. � The Empire was the largest, most powerful empire in Europe and the Middle East!

Culture

Ottoman Law and Social Classes � Ottoman Law based on the Sharia (sacred law of Islam). � Two Classes ◦ 1. “men of sword”(soldiers) and “men of pen” (scientists, lawyers, judges, and poets). ◦ 2. “men of negotiation” (merchants, tax collectors, and artisans who carried our trade and production) and “men of husbandry” (farmers and herders who produced the food for the community).

Religions � The Ottoman Empire was made of many religions. ◦ Conquered people were able to keep some parts of their religion, but they had to serve the empire in other ways. � Muslims, Greek Christians, Armenian Christians, and Jews. � Each religious group was called a Millet. ◦ Each Millet had a leader that was responsible for educating and carrying out some legal matters.

Military � Janizaries-the Elite force (the best of the best) of the Ottoman Empire ◦ The soldiers were conquered people who were recruited to serve in the army and government. ◦ The Sultan levied a “tax” on the Christians to give their young sons for service. ◦ The boys were converted to Islam and put into military school. � Non-Muslim girls served as slaves too but in the household.

The Decline of the Ottoman Empire

Start of the Decline � Suleiman’s Death 1566 began the decline. ◦ He killed his two most able sons (accused them of treason). � Selim (Suleiman’s remaining son) was left in charge. ◦ He left the governing to the ministers, and the government became corrupt.

Continued Fall of the Ottoman Empire � 1700 s ◦ European advances in military technology and commerce leaves Ottomans behind. ◦ Russia and other European powers captured Ottoman lands. ◦ North Africa broke from the Ottoman Control. � Many capable Ottoman Sultans attempted to regain control but failed.