Mehmed II & Suleiman the Magnificent

Think What do we know about the Byzantine Empire and Constantinople?

The Ottomans During the late 1200s, Turkish clans settled part of Asia Minor. They called themselves the Ottoman Turks.

Takeover of Constantinople The Ottomans conquered much of the Byzantine Empire. In 1453, the Ottoman ruler Mehmett (Mehmed) II, known as the “Conqueror”, seized Constantinople. The Ottomans renamed the city Istanbul and made it their capital

Economic Consequences Remember: Constantinople was at the CENTER of trade between Europe and Asia. The Ottomans now were the new “toll keepers” of trade. The Ottomans raised taxes. This caused the Europeans to search for an overseas route to trade ( sparked exploration!) The Ottomans also pushed into SE Europe, SW Asia, and North Africa. The Ottomans controlled much of the Mediterranean region until the late 1500s.

Suleiman I (1494-1566) The Ottoman leader was called a sultan. The most famous Ottoman Sultan was Suleiman I. He was called “The Lawgiver” because he organized Ottoman laws. Suleiman I also built many schools and mosques throughout the empire.

Activity Read the article and answer the questions in your notes in complete sentences!

Extension Follow the directions to create either a “Business Card” or an “Executive Voicemail” for Suleiman I