The Rise and Fall of the Ottoman Empire

The Beginnings of an Empire

The story of the Ottomans began in central Anatolia at the end of the thirteenth century. Continuing wars between the Byzantine and Islamic armies had fragmented the region, but one man spotted an opportunity. His name was Osman Gazi, a chieftain of the Turkish Kayi tribe. Osman's movements beyond his tribal land were not initially based on religion or ideology. For him, it was all about plunder – treasures, slaves, animals and castles. Osman's forces gradually increased in size, helping them take more territory.

At the beginning of the fourteenth century, Osman died with few personal belongings, but he had his people. The tribe he left behind retained his name, Ottoman, a historical anglicisation of Osman.

Expansion

Under the guidance of Osman's son, Orhan, the Ottomans flourished. They continued to expand their territory while growing their armies and improving their military organisation. Soon, they were capable of besieging towns and cities. In 1326, the Ottomans conquered the wealthy Byzantine city of Bursa, which they made their capital. A period of civil war followed, which finally ended in 1413 under Mehmed the First, known as 'The Restorer'. But his grandson, Sultan Mehmed the Second, had an even bigger impact, promoting the Ottomans from regional rulers into a true superpower.

Constantinople

For over a thousand years, Constantinople served as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, standing as one of the world's grandest cities. Its fierce, hardened guards and impregnable defences had long rendered it unconquerable. However, by the time Mehmed II set his sights on the city in 1453, civil war and famine had weakened the Byzantine Empire. A devastating plague had also decimated the population.

In a siege lasting a little over a month, incessant cannon fire proved the city's indestructible walls were anything but. With overwhelming firepower and sheer weight of numbers, Mehmed the Second's army swept through Constantinople to devastating effect. When the city fell on 29 May 1453, it sent shockwaves throughout Europe. Mehmed wasted no time in proclaiming it the new imperial capital of the Ottoman Empire.

The fall of Constantinople is pivotal for European history. This is when the Ottomans truly became a world empire.

Marc David Baer, professor of international history at the London School of Economics, and author of The Ottomans: Khans, Caesars, and Caliphs

The Height of Power

The Ottoman Empire reached its peak in terms of territory and power in the 16th century, particularly during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566), who proclaimed himself the Caliph and protector of the Muslim world. Suleiman expanded the empire's territory to its greatest extent, encompassing parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. Notable conquests included the siege of Vienna and the capture of Baghdad.

The Ottomans' main rivals were now the Venetians, with their powerful navy. But diplomacy triumphed, and trade alliances were struck. The Venetians grew rich by exploiting trade routes to India, bringing spices and other riches back through Ottoman lands. In return, the Ottomans demanded hefty taxes, generating vast fortunes for the empire. Suleiman's reign also saw significant legal and cultural advancements, including the cataloguing of laws.

Downfall

As a result of Europe's continual engagement in warfare, Western technology advanced rapidly, with developments in firearms, cannon and transportation. The Ottomans raced to keep up.

The empire gradually lost its territories through wars and treaties in the 18th century. The 19th century was marked by efforts to modernise and reform the empire. Despite these efforts, the empire continued to decline, culminating in its involvement in World War I. The defeat of the Central Powers, of which the Ottoman Empire was a part, as well as the genocide of the Armenian people, led to the empire's dissolution.

In 1922, the last Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed VI, was deposed, and the Republic of Turkey was established under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, officially marking the end of the Ottoman Empire.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stated: "The new Turkey has absolutely no relation to the old Turkey. The Ottoman State has gone down in history. Now, a new Turkey is born."

Legacy

The Ottoman Empire was one of the largest and longest-lasting empires in history, a dynasty that ruled for a little over six hundred years. It was incredibly diverse - an affluent, cosmopolitan society linking millions of people of different religions and ethnicities. At its peak, it was an all-conquering military superpower that led the way in technology, science and social enlightenment. Its legacy continues to influence geopolitics, culture and society across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa to this day.