CHAPTER 10 Lesson 5: The Ottoman Empire

14.) I can explain the structure of the Ottoman Empire and its legal system. 1.The sultan was the head of the imperial system. 2.The imperial council, called the divan, was beneath the sultan and advised him. The head of the divan was the grand vizier. 3.Across the empire there were military leaders, religious authorities, and large estate owners to help run local government. 4.They followed Islamic law. 5.Some areas needed additional laws (i.e. – crimes, taxes), so the sultan would create these laws.

15.) I can trace the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. 1.Ottomans captured much of SW Asia and northern Africa. 2.They controlled the holiest cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina. 3.They conquered the Byzantine capital in 1453 and brought the Byzantine Empire to an end. 4.Suleyman I tried capturing Hungary and Austria, but did not succeed.

16.) I can describe the status of various religious groups, enslaved peoples, and women in the Ottoman Empire. 1.Religious Groups: Christians and Jews were allowed to worship freely, as long as they remained loyal and paid their taxes. They could form their own communities, speak their own languages, and govern themselves. 2.Enslaved People: They had a system of slave soldiers and officials. The janissaries were an elite part of the army and were slaves. They helped expand the Ottoman Empire. 3.Women: Treatment depended on their social class and where they lived. They could own and inherit property. They could file for divorce. The women in the sultan’s court were educated.