The Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire was formed in approximately 1300 by Turkish tribes and grew to become one of the most powerful civilisations in the world at that time.
At the height of its might, the empire expanded over three continents and controlled some of the world’s more profitable trade routes, hence its considerable wealth and strength.
Although they were viewed by western Europeans as a threat, historians typically regard the Ottoman Empire as a fount of stability, as well as artistic, cultural, and scientific influence. Yet, all powerful empires must start somewhere, so how did the Ottoman empire form, and who was responsible for its success?
The formation of the Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire originated in Anatolia (Asia Minor) and developed into one of the most influential states in the world in the 15th and 16th centuries.
It existed for over 600 years – making it one of the longest-lasting dynasties in the history of the world - and included countries now known as Egypt, Israel, Palestinian territories, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lebanon, Romania, Syria, Macedonia, as well as sections of Arabia and northern Africa – by no means a small area!
During the genesis of their expansion, the Ottomans battled for their Islamic faith against the Byzantine state, which was predominantly Christian but was also floundering in power. In the mid 11th century, the Ottoman nomads who had migrated from central Asia overtook Byzantium and conquered eastern and central Anatolia.
The Ottomans had a chief leader, known as a Sultan, who was given complete authority over religious and political affairs. It was during Suleiman the Magnificent’s reign between 1520 and 1566 that the Ottoman Empire reached its peak, as they obtained significant strength, influence, stability, and wealth.
This was due to Suleiman’s uniform system of law and interest in cultivating different forms of arts and literature. Thus, the Ottoman’s became renowned for their artistic and scientific achievements, and during Suleiman’s reign, major cities in the empire, such as Istanbul, became prominent artistic hubs.
It wasn’t until the 1600s that the Ottoman Empire began to lose some of its might and influence, as Europe began to flourish economically and militarily due to the Renaissance and Industrial Revolution.
As a result, the Ottoman Empire began to weaken, especially as it was no longer a trading powerhouse as it was struggling to compete with the Americas and India. However, the empire didn’t officially end until 1922, when the title of Sultan was abolished.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and went on to serve as its first president until his death in 1938.
Osman I – the father of the Ottoman Empire
The name “Ottoman” was gleaned from the founder of the empire – Osman I - in approximately 1300 but rarely in history has there been so little known about such a historically influential figure.
Osman I was a leader of the Turkish tribes in Anatolia and the founder of the original Ottoman Empire in roughly 1299. The exact date of Osman’s birth is debated, but it is known that he was born during the 13th century.
Osman was a Seljuk Turk – a group that arrived from the Asiatic steppes in the 11th century, but it is also thought that he may have been a member of the Kayi tribe of Oghuz Turks who were a driving force behind the Islamic faith.
It wasn’t until more than a century after Osman I’s death that his life and impact were documented, thus, his existence is considered by many professionals in the field as a “historical black hole.”However, we do know that Osman was given the moniker of “Kara”, which in those days meant “black”, and thus, a brave and honourable person. Even in the modern Turkish language, “Kara” is used to describe someone generous, fair, and with military prowess. Therefore, it is clear that Osman I was held in high regard.
The fact that Osman was valued was made clear through the tradition of his successors wearing his sword, girded by his belt. This began with his immediate descendant and continued through the line of sultans that followed throughout the Ottoman Empire's reign. It stood as a reminder that their success and status was attributable to Osman and his reign.
Osman's influence on the battlefield pervaded for approximately 300 years, as his successors were regularly seen in combat. However, as the Ottoman Empire began to weaken, so too did the Sultan's resolve, and they began to evade their military responsibilities.
The Ottoman Empire's influence is still very much present in modern-day Turkey.
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