The Ottoman and Safavid Empire Key Terms Millet

The Ottoman and Safavid Empire

Key Terms • Millet • Janizary • Shah

Expanding the Ottoman Empire • Ottoman expansion threatened the crumbling Byzantine empire – Muhammad II finally succeeded to capture Constantinople • The empire enjoyed a Golden Age during the rule of Suleiman – Modernized the army and conquered many new lands – Ottomans ruled the largest empire in Europe and the Middle east for centuries

Ottoman Culture • Suleiman had absolute power • Ottomans divided their subjects into four classes • Ottomans levied a tax on Christian families – Also required them to turn over young sons to the government • Best soldiers were placed in the janizaries • European advances in both commerce and military technology were leaving the Ottomans behind.

The Safavid Empire • United the empire in Persia – Present day Iran • Engaged in frequent warfare – They were Shiite Muslims – The Ottomans were Sunni Muslims • Abbas revived the glory of ancient Persia – Reduced taxes on farmers and herders – Tolerated non-Muslims and valued their economic contributions – A center of the international silk trade

Decline of the Safavid Empire • One cause was the continuing pressure form Ottoman armies • Sunni Afghans rebelled – They defeated imperial armies, captured Isfahan, and forced the last Safavid ruler to abdicate • Qajars won control of Iran – Made Tehran their capital – Planted Shiite traditions firmly in Iran and gave Persians a strong sense of their own identity.

Questions to Consider • What factors led to the decline of the Safavid Empire? • Abbas the great contributed what to the Safavid Empire? • Explain the golden age.