Islamic + Ottoman Vocab

Mehmed ll

Ottoman sultan who conquered Constantinople in 1453, ending the Byzantine Empire and transforming the city into the Ottoman capital, Istanbul.

Suleiman the Magnificent

Ottoman sultan during the empire's golden age, known for his legal reforms, military expansions, and patronage of the arts and sciences.

Janissaries

Elite infantry units of the Ottoman army, originally composed of Christian boys conscripted through the devshirme system, known for their discipline and loyalty to the sultan.

Devshirme

System in the Ottoman Empire where Christian boys were recruited, converted to Islam, and trained for service in the military or administration.

Tax Farming

A system in which the right to collect taxes in a particular area is sold to the highest bidder, who then collects taxes from the inhabitants.

Timars

Land grants given by the Ottoman sultans to soldiers in exchange for military service, providing them with income and a means of supporting themselves.

Mullahs

Muslim religious scholars and leaders, often serving as judges, teachers, and interpreters of Islamic law.

Babur

Founder of the Mughal Empire in India, a descendant of both Timur and Genghis Khan, known for his military prowess and cultural refinement.

Sikhism

A monotheistic religion founded in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century by Guru Nanak, emphasizing equality, service, and devotion to one God.

Akbar

Mughal emperor known for his religious tolerance, administrative reforms, and patronage of the arts, contributing to a period of cultural and economic prosperity.