Ottoman Empire History

Vocabulary flashcards covering key figures, events, and concepts from the Ottoman Empire lecture notes.

Mehmed II (the Conqueror)

Ottoman Sultan who conquered Constantinople in 1453.

Selim I

Ottoman Sultan who added Mecca and Medina to the Ottoman realm after defeating the Mamluks in 1517.

Osman I

The progenitor and founder of the Ottoman Empire in 1299.

Conquest of Constantinople (1453)

A major turning point in Ottoman history after which the empire began to define its own identity and culture.

Safavid Conflict

The Shi’a vs. Sunni conflict with the Safavids that motivated the Ottoman Empire to define its Muslim identity.

Ottoman Code of Law

A legal system primarily focused on maintaining hierarchy and social order.

Mamluks

Former slave soldiers who ruled Egypt, were Sunni Muslims, and were defeated by the Ottomans in 1517.

Beylik

A nomadic, transhumant, small principality that represented the Ottomans’ earlier state before becoming an empire.

Major Turning Points in Ottoman History

Includes the 1299 founding, 1453 Fall of Constantinople, 1517 Conquest of Mamluk Egypt/Mecca/Medina, and 16th c. Safavid conflicts shaping Sunni identity.

Devşirme

A child levy system used to recruit viziers and other officials, who grew up alongside the Sultan but were still considered slaves.

Viziers

High-ranking officials in the Ottoman Empire, often recruited via devşirme, who had close but subordinate relationships with the Sultan.