Ottoman Empire Study terms

Anatolia

A large peninsula in Western Asia, also known as Asia Minor, which is the main part of modern-day Turkey.

Byzantine Empire

A powerful medieval empire that succeeded the Eastern Roman Empire, centered in Constantinople.

Ghazis

Warriors for Islam, often engaged in raiding and expansion during the medieval period.

Osman

The founder of the Ottoman Empire, leader of the Ghazis and expanded territory in Anatolia.

Sultan

The title given to the rulers of the Ottoman Empire, signifying authority and leadership over the Muslim community.

Askeri

A privileged military class in the Ottoman Empire, responsible for defense and administration.

Grand Vezir

The highest-ranking official in the Ottoman Empire, serving as the prime minister and chief advisor to the Sultan, overseeing the administration of the state.

Devsirme

A system used in the Ottoman Empire for capturing boys from Christian families, converting them to Islam, and training them for military or administrative roles.

Ulema

A body of scholars and religious leaders in the Ottoman Empire responsible for interpreting Islamic law and providing guidance on religious matters.

timar

A land grant system in the Ottoman Empire that allocated land to military officers in exchange for their service, providing income and resources.

Jannisaries

Elite infantry units in the Ottoman Empire, originally formed from the devsirme system, known for their military prowess and loyalty to the Sultan.

Mehmet the Conqueror

The Ottoman Sultan known for conquering Constantinople in 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire and expanding the Ottoman territory significantly.

Constantinople

The capital city of the Byzantine Empire, famously conquered by Mehmet the Conqueror, and later became the capital of the Ottoman Empire, known for its strategic location and cultural significance.

Suleyman The Magnificent

The longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, known for significant territorial expansion, legal reforms, and cultural achievements.

decentralization

The process of distributing or dispersing functions, powers, people, or decision-making away from a central authority. In the context of empires, it often refers to the delegation of power to local governors or provinces.

Jizya tax

A tax levied on non-Muslims in an Islamic state, allowing them to practice their religion in exchange for protection and exemption from military service.

Millet

A system of self-governance for religious minorities in the Ottoman Empire, allowing them to maintain their own laws and practices while paying taxes.

Dhimmi

A non-Muslim subject in an Islamic state who is granted protection and certain rights in exchange for paying the jizya tax.

centralize

A term describing the process of consolidating power and authority in a central governing body, often reducing the autonomy of local or regional authorities.

bureaucracy

A system of government in which decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives, characterized by a hierarchical structure and established rules.