1. Aim: How Did the Ottoman Empire Rise and Maintain Power?

2. Origins of Ottomans
A) Originated in the steppes of central Asia and migrated west into Asia Minor (modern Turkey). B) The Byzantine Empire had been weakening since the 4th crusade of The Seljuk Turks had been weakening due to Mongol attacks. C) The Ottomans were originally vassals of the Seljuk Turks but rapidly gained power under Osman I in 1280.
The most common origin story of the Ottomans is that Ertogrul's father Suleyman Sah, the leader of a Turkish tribe, led his people out of northeastern Iran in the late 12th century, just ahead of a Mongol invasion. Fearing death or enslavement, they headed west where Suleyman is said to have drowned crossing the Euphrates. Leadership fell to his son Osman.
Osman I (1258 – 1324)

3. Suleiman the Magnificent (1494 – 1566)
The Sultan
A) The Sultan was the supreme political and religious leader of the Turks.
B) Sultans ruled over Viziers (advisors) who in turn rule over a series of provincial governors
C) Suleiman the Magnificent (1495 – 1566) was also known as “the lawmaker”.
Conquered Hungary and Vienna in Eastern Europe, but agreed to a truce with Austria (he was busy with other campaigns) Gained land from the Safavids in Persia, and north Africa.
Built the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, fortresses, hammams (Turkish baths), aqueducts and schools.
Famous for his law code and poetry. Expanded the navy.
Suleiman the Magnificent (1494 – 1566)

4. Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

5. Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

6. Topkapi Palace

7. The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
260 stained glass windows
20,000 blue tiles
Blend of Byzantine and Ottoman styles

8. The Ottoman Military State
The strength of the Ottoman Empire was their advanced military state. Based on: A) Gunpowder B) Janissaries: Kidnapped from Christian families, these children were raised as devout Muslims and loyal to the Sultan. Some became officials in the state bureaucracy. The remainder were given a military education and became Janissaries (skilled and highly ranked soldiers).

9. Ottoman Military State Continued…

10. Religion in the Ottoman Empire
A) Ottomans ruled over Millets (communities of different religions). Members of millets were forced to pay a jizwa (a religious tax on non‐Muslims) but otherwise were granted religious autonomy. B) Religions included differing sects of Muslims (Sunni, Shia, Suffi), Hindus, Jews, Buddhists, and Christians (Coptic, Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant). C) The most common languages were Arabic (Islam’s holy language), Turkish and Persian.

11. Women & Society in the Ottoman Empire
The Sultan rarely married but kept enslaved concubines (by honor) in the Harem (sacred place). The offspring of his different concubines had the ability to be the “heir” but they often were forced to kill all their brothers once they obtained the distinction, the mother of the heir became the “Queen Mother”, the most powerful woman in the empire.
Men of the Pen (Scholars)
Men of the Sword (Warriors)
Men of Negotiation (Merchants)
Men of Husbandry (Farmers & Artisans)
Harem, Topkapi Palace

12. Blue Mosque, Istanbul

13. Decline of the Ottomans Began 1566
Corruption
Economic decline
Social unrest
Rise of Russia – 1784 under Catherine the Great Russia annexed Crimea and gained access to the Black Sea from the Ottomans.
Late 19th century there would be reforms
1923 end of WWI Ottoman Empire collapsed

14. Key Vocabulary
Blue Mosque Crimea Gunpowder Empire Harem Istanbul Janissaries Jizwa Millet Osman I Ottoman Empire Suleyman the Magnificent Sultan Vizier