Unit 3: Asian Empires

World History

Byzantine Empire 

A powerful empire that originated in the eastern Mediterranean, known for its rich culture, strong military, and influential role in trade and religion.

_{Constantinople}

The capital of the Byzantine Empire, known for its strategic location, architectural beauty, and as a major center of trade and culture.

Ottoman Turks

A group of Turkish tribes that founded the Ottoman Empire and played a key role in the conquests of the Byzantine Empire, establishing a significant empire that lasted over six centuries.

Anatolian Peninsula

A large peninsula in Western Asia, bordered by the Black Sea to the north, the Aegean Sea to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, serving as a historical crossroads between Europe and Asia.

Janissaries

Elite infantry soldiers of the Ottoman Empire, originally composed of Christian youths taken as tribute and trained as soldiers.

Sultan

The sovereign ruler of the Ottoman Empire, holding absolute power over government and military affairs.

Annexation

The addition of territory to a state's domain, often through military conquest or formal agreement.

Mehmed the Conquerer

Ottoman sultan known for conquering Constantinople in 1453, expanding the empire significantly.

Artillery

Weapons used for warfare, including cannons, which were crucial in sieges.

Istanbul

Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and served as the capital of several empires, including the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

Caliph

A religious and political leader in Islam, regarded as a successor to the Prophet Muhammad and responsible for ensuring the unity and leadership of the Muslim community.

Strait of Gibraltar

A narrow body of water that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, separating Spain and Morocco.

Suleyman I

The longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, presiding over a period of significant territorial expansion, cultural achievements, and legal reforms.

The Holy League

An alliance formed in 1684 by several European powers against the Ottoman Empire, aimed at curbing its expansion in Europe.

Gunpowder Empires

Empires that gained power through the use of gunpowder technology, including the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires.

Harem

The private domain of an Ottoman sultan, where he and his wives resided

Grand Vizier

The chief minister in the Ottoman Empire who advised the sultan on secular matters and led the council meetings

Pashas

An appointed official of the Ottoman Empire who collected taxes, maintained law and order, and was directly responsible to the sultan’s court.

Anatolian Peninsula

The peninsula in Western Asia that forms the majority of Turkey, historically significant as a crossroads of various empires and cultures.

Ulema

A group of religious scholars who served as advisers to the Ottoman sultan; this group administered the legal system and schools for educating Muslims 

Craft Guild

An association of workers of the same occupation or trade for mutual benefit 

Silk Road

A network of trade routes that connected China with the Mediterranean, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas.

Treaty of Constantinople

An agreement which allowed Venetian merchants to trade freely in the Ottoman Empire