Early in the 14th century the Turkish tribal chieftain Othman (Osman) started an empire in western Anatolia (Asia Minor). The Ottoman Turks started taking control over the Byzantine Empire and beyond. The ottoman empires name is derived from its founder, a Turkish Muslim warrior, Osman. Osman established this dynasty that ruled over the empire throughout history. They ended all other local Turkish dynasties.
Within a century the Ottomans had changed from a nomadic horde to the heirs of the most ancient surviving empire of Europe. The beginning of this period was characterized by the Byzantine-Ottoman wars which lasted for a century and a half. During this period, the Ottoman Empire gained control of both Anatolia and the Balkans. The upsurge of the Ottomans relates with the decline of the Roman Empire. It generated a shift in power from a Christian European society to an Islamic influence.
In 1453, the Sultan Mohammad II conquered Constantinople; putting an end to the Eastern Roman Empire. The Ottoman Empire had also become a significant part of European politics. They had a military alliance with England, France, and the Netherlands. They were against Italy, Habsburg Austria, and Habsburg Spain. The victories of Kosovo Field (1389) and Nikopol (1396) were two major battles that warned the rest of Europe. Before, no one really knew what was going on. None knew of the silent assassins building power. Maybe many were not aware of the oncoming dangers, or maybe many just didn’t pay attention enough to sense the danger rapidly approaching.
The Ottomans were at the frontline of improvement in art, medicine and law. The Ottomans are known as the quiet giants. They were able to achieve so much in such a short period of time. They caught everyone off guard by using quick judgement and a knowledge of what they were up against. The Ottomans had changed from a nomadic horde to the heirs of the most ancient surviving empire of Europe.
With great victory comes great defeat. The Ottomans became inflated with pressures that became a main target to destroy. There were three main problems with the Ottoman empire. Government, Economic, and Political problems all contributed to the fall of this once dominant empire. The ottoaman government was corrupt and their leader Selim lll was overthrown and killed at the encouragement of the Janissaries and the ulema. After he died a question arouse of what will become of this great empire. A collapse might lead to fighting over the land, so the major European powers decided that it must be preserved.
Within a century the Ottomans had changed from a nomadic horde to the heirs of the most ancient surviving empire of Europe. The beginning of this period was characterized by the Byzantine-Ottoman wars which lasted for a century and a half. During this period, the Ottoman Empire gained control of both Anatolia and the Balkans. The upsurge of the Ottomans relates with the decline of the Roman Empire. It generated a shift in power from a Christian European society to an Islamic influence.
In 1453, the Sultan Mohammad II conquered Constantinople; putting an end to the Eastern Roman Empire. The Ottoman Empire had also become a significant part of European politics. They had a military alliance with England, France, and the Netherlands. They were against Italy, Habsburg Austria, and Habsburg Spain. The victories of Kosovo Field (1389) and Nikopol (1396) were two major battles that warned the rest of Europe. Before, no one really knew what was going on. None knew of the silent assassins building power. Maybe many were not aware of the oncoming dangers, or maybe many just didn’t pay attention enough to sense the danger rapidly approaching.
The Ottomans were at the frontline of improvement in art, medicine and law. The Ottomans are known as the quiet giants. They were able to achieve so much in such a short period of time. They caught everyone off guard by using quick judgement and a knowledge of what they were up against. The Ottomans had changed from a nomadic horde to the heirs of the most ancient surviving empire of Europe.
With great victory comes great defeat. The Ottomans became inflated with pressures that became a main target to destroy. There were three main problems with the Ottoman empire. Government, Economic, and Political problems all contributed to the fall of this once dominant empire. The ottoaman government was corrupt and their leader Selim lll was overthrown and killed at the encouragement of the Janissaries and the ulema. After he died a question arouse of what will become of this great empire. A collapse might lead to fighting over the land, so the major European powers decided that it must be preserved.