Early Modern Asia: Ottoman and Mughal Empires

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the Ottoman and Mughal Empires as noted in the lecture.

Janissaries

Elite soldiers of the Ottoman Empire, often captured and enslaved Christians, required to be celibate.

Ottoman Empire

A historical empire founded by Osman the Turk, encompassing parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Devshirme system

A system of collecting non-Muslim boys for education and military service in the Ottoman Empire.

Sultan Mehmet II

The Sultan who conquered Constantinople in 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire.

Pashas

Administrators in the Ottoman Empire responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining order.

Harem

The private domain of the sultan, reserved for family and concubines.

Sharia Law

A body of religious law based on Islamic scriptures.

Suleyman I the Magnificent

The Sultan known for expanding the empire and promoting education.

Mughal Empire

A major empire in India founded by Babur, characterized by Muslim leadership over a largely Hindu population.

Economic inequality

A condition in the Mughal Empire resulting from heavy taxation and expansion leading to poverty.