Ottoman Empire Report

Cameron, Matthew, Jared, Caio, Alex

1/11/16

Period 2

Mr. Bage

Ottoman Empire Report

        The Ottoman Empire was known as one of the longest-lasting empires in human history, ruling vast territories in North Africa, the Balkans, and the Middle East. The Ottoman Empire lasted over 600 years, and was known for its emphasis on military implementing the incorporation of weapons involving gunpowder, such as cannons and rifles.

        The Ottoman Empire was established in the late 13th century by Oghuz Turks under Osman I, who would become the Ottoman Empire’s first official leader. Over time, the state grew into a mighty empire, reaching its peak under Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century expanding both eastward and westward across Europe, Africa and Asia. Although the Ottoman Empire was known for primarily practicing the religion of Islam, Suleiman the Magnificent was known for his belief in religious freedom for his constituents so long as they paid their taxes and accepted his ultimate authority. Over the next 150 years the Ottoman Empire continued to expand. The most powerful empire in the land at the time was the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire). In 1453, Mehmet II the Conqueror led the Ottoman Empire in capturing Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantium Empire. He turned Constantinople into the capital of the Ottoman Empire and renamed it Istanbul. For the next several hundred years the Ottoman Empire would be one of the largest and most powerful empires in the world. Mehmed II the Conqueror would end up ruling for nearly thirty years. During his reign Istanbul becomes a political, cultural, and economic center. Mosques, bazaars, roads, inns, and baths were built, and a special tax is now charged to non-Muslims.

        The Ottoman Empire consisted of four social classes; men of the pen: highly educated; scientists, lawyers, judges and doctors, men of the sword: military personnel, men of negotiation: merchants, artisans and tax collectors and the men of husbandry: farmers and herders. In the Ottoman Empire your place in hierarchy was based on your skills (merit), although it did help to know people of higher power. If you were the Sultan, your place in the hierarchy was based on birth. Slavery also played a part in determining your social class. Some slaves were raised to become government officials; others were bought, captured, or born into slavery. Many slaves were Georgians, Armenians, Syrians, or people from other countries that were captured during war.  The slaves were given jobs based on their interests and abilities. Citizens of the Ottoman Empire had the right to practice their own religion freely as long as you paid taxes and obeyed the Ottoman law. Your social class and job also helped determine some of the rights you were entitled too. For example, the men of negotiation were exempt of taxes and government regulations. In addition, women were treated better in the Ottoman Empire than other Islamic states. Women were able to own and inherit property, were not forced to marry and could even seek a divorce. Some women even gained political power as officials and governors.