Ottoman Empire

What are common characteristics of all Muslim empires?

They are land empires oriented toward military conquest, have an inward trading orientation, a dominant religion of Islam, are multilinguistic and multicultural, and traditionally rely on cavalry.

What factors contributed to the rise of the Ottoman Empire?

Control of the Dardanelles strait linking Europe and Asia, military power, and growth primarily through land conquest.

Who was Osman and what was his significance?

Osman (1258-1324) was the founder of the Ottoman dynasty and a Turkish leader whose descendants built the Ottoman Empire.

What is Mehmet II known for?

Mehmet II, known as 'the Conqueror,' ruled from 1451-1481 and is famous for the conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453.

What was the high point of the Ottoman Empire?

The high point occurred during the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent (1520-1566), who expanded the empire into southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, and northern Africa.

What were the unsuccessful Ottoman sieges of Vienna?

The Ottoman Empire attempted to besiege Vienna in 1529 and 1683 but failed.

What factors led to the decline of the Ottoman Empire?

The decline began in 1566 due to loss of territory, a series of incompetent sultans, corruption among elite members (Janissaries), and the influence of Western ideas and customs.

What characterized the Safavid Empire?

The Safavid Empire had a Persian cultural foundation, was predominantly Shi'ite, practiced theocratic rule, and gained strength from its location on trade routes, with its capital at Isfahan.

Who founded the Safavid Empire and when?

The Safavid Empire was formed by Shah Ismail in 1501, who declared it separate from the Ottoman Empire due to its outlawing of Shi'a Islam.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Chaldiran?

The Battle of Chaldiran in 1514 resulted in an Ottoman victory over the Safavid Empire.

What led to the collapse of the Safavid Empire?

The Safavid Empire collapsed in 1722 due to invasions by Afghans and internal pressures, despite a brief revival under Nader Shah (1736-1747).

Who was Shah Abbas 'the Great' and what were his contributions?

Shah Abbas (1588-1629) was a key ruler of the Safavid Empire who built Persia's first standing army and regained territory lost to the Ottoman Empire.

What was the significance of the Janissaries in the Ottoman Empire?

The Janissaries were elite military units that played a crucial role in the military power and expansion of the Ottoman Empire.

What was the cultural orientation of the Safavid Empire?

The Safavid Empire was characterized by its Persian cultural foundation and predominantly Shi'ite population.

What was the role of trade routes for the Safavid Empire?

The Safavid Empire's strength was derived from its strategic location on important trade routes.

What was the impact of Western ideas on the Ottoman Empire?

Western ideas and customs contributed to the decline of the Ottoman Empire by influencing its elite and military structure.

What was the significance of Suleyman the Magnificent's reign?

Suleyman's reign marked the high point of the Ottoman Empire, characterized by territorial expansion and cultural achievements.

How did the Ottoman Empire attempt to dominate the Mediterranean Sea?

The Ottoman Empire made efforts to control the Mediterranean Sea as part of its expansionist policies.

What was the relationship between the Safavid and Ottoman Empires?

The Safavid Empire was established in opposition to the Ottoman Empire, particularly due to the latter's outlawing of Shi'a Islam.