IB world Ottoman Empire vocab

What are Janissaries?

Elite infantry/militia units of the Ottoman army, made up of abducted Christian boys from conquered territories—> they were converted to Islam and trained to be loyal to the Sultan.

What was the Millet system?

The Ottoman’s system for governing religious communities. Each millet could govern its own affairs as long as it payed taxes and was loyal to the Sultan. (Islamic people didnt have to pay taxes)

What is Devshirme?

The PRACTICE of converting Christian boys to Islam to become Janissaries

What is a Mosque?

A Muslim place of worship. Many churches were converted into mosques after the conquering of Constitanople.

What was the founding myth of the Ottoman Empire?

Osman had a dream where a huge tree grew from his navel, and its shade spread across the whole world—> Kinda like manifest destiny, he saw it as a sign that his empire was meant to expand and rule over the world.

What was the Topkapi palace?

The main residence and headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. It was build by Mehmed II AFTER THE CONQUEST OF CONSITANOPLE!!!!

What was the Bosporus strait? IN 1453

IN 1453!!! A body of water that allowed the Ottomans to levy taxes and tariffs on goods, which created tremendous amounts of money for the empire. $

What is Islam?

The monotheistic religion of Ottoman rulers, became the dominant religion in constitanople after its conquest.

What was the Byzantine empire?

The CHRISTIAN empire that ruled constitanople BEFORE THE OTTOMANS CONQUERED IT IN 1453

What was Constitanople?

The former name of the city before being changed to Istanbul after Mehmed II’s conquering.

What is Iznik tile?

High quality ceramics that were made in Iznik. When Suleiman was sultan they became super popular for their designs and coloring—> They were used to decorate mosques and palaces.

What was the significance of Iznik?

It was a formerly controlled Ottoman territory, and was a huge center for arts, trade, and markets.

What is Cosmopolitan?

The citiy’s change into a multicultural capital. Mehmed II transformed the city by repopulating it with diverse religious and ethnic groups.

What are “People’s of the book?”

Islamic term for NON-MUSLIMS, who follow monotheistic religions. Like Jews and Christians.

Who was Suleiman the Magnificent?

The sultan Suleiman who’s name was given to him by Europeans, which highlighted his wealth and military power. (How the Europeans saw him)

Who was Suleiman the Lawgiver?

The sultan Suleiman whose name highlighted his codification and reform of Ottoman law. (HOW MUSLIMS AND HIS SUBJECTS SAW HIM)

Who was Hurrem Sultan?

The chief consort and FAV WIFEEE of Suleiman, she had a lot of political influence during Suleiman’s reign.

What is a Grand Vizir?

The sultans chief minister

Who was Mimar Sinan?

A Ottoman designer and architect during SULEIMANS reign. He designed hundreds of buildings and mosques.

What mosque did Mimar Sinan design that became a hub for edu and health?

The Sulimanye mosque. Served as a place of worship and solidified Suleimans status as a political ruler as well as a religious ruler.

What is the distinct calligraphic monogram seal o the Sultan?

The Tughra

What was the body of Ottoman law created by Suleiman to supplement the sacred Islamic law? They brought taxation and order to the empire.

The Kanun

What is sacred Islamic law called?

Sharia

What were Bazaars?

Large marketplaces which were crucial to trade in the Middle East.

Under what Sultans was the Great Baazar largely spread

SULEIMAN THE MAGNIFICANT AND MEHMED II (Specifically, Mehmed who encouraged the spread of them to stimulate Istanbuls economy)

What is religious pluralism?

Religious tolerance, and the coexistence of different religions.

Why was the bosphorous strait significant?

Because it was the a crucial sea passage between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. It also gave the ottomans a natural defense line and harbored trade of spices, silk, and porcelain.

What two merchant groups during Suleimans rule were involved with the ottomans during the silk trade?

Venetian and Genoese merchants

What sultan established a community of craftsman in the topkapi palace?

Mehmed II

What’s the difference between Kanun and Sharia?

Kanun is secular and implemented by Suleiman, Sharia was a divine Islamic law that Mehmed created,

What were the 2 perspectives on the fall of Constitanople? 1453

The Europeans saw it as a threat to Christianity, while Muslims saw it as the fulfillment of religious prophecy.