The World in 1750 (part 1) - Ottoman and Mughal Empires

Ottoman Empire

• Overview:

  • Muslim empire ruling parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe from 1299-1922.

  • Turkish-speaking nomadic people from Central Asia.

  • Society organized around Islam.

  • Diverse: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

• Key Events & Figures:

  • 1453: Conquest of the Byzantine Empire using gunpowder and artillery. Istanbul now controlled important trade routes.

  • Suleiman the Magnificent (1494 – 1566):

  • Expanded the empire using gunpowder.

  • Reformed the Ottoman legal code.

  • Built libraries, mosques, hospitals.

  • Allowed Jews and Christians (“people of the book”) to live in their own communities with a special tax (millets).

• Government & Society:

  • Ulama: Muslim scholars.

  • Grand Vizier: 2nd in command under the Sultan.

  • Divan: Advisory council to the Sultan.

  • Millets: Religious communities for Jews & Christians; special tax applied.

  • Devshirme System: Christian boys taken to serve the Muslim state.

  • Janissaries: Elite force in the Ottoman army.

• Decline:

  • Military defeats.

  • Conservative Islam focused on tradition and spirituality.

  • Lack of resources to modernize.

  • Trade imbalance.

  • Heavy taxation of the middle class.

Mughal Empire

• Overview:

  • Islamic empire established by Babur in Northern India in 1526.

  • Descendants of Mongols known for artillery and gunpowder.

• Key Figures & Policies:

  • Akhbar the Great (1542 – 1605):

  • Centralized government including Muslims, Hindus, and foreigners.

  • Eliminated taxes on non-Muslims; encouraged religious tolerance by marrying Hindu princesses.

  • Expanded the empire.

  • Patron of Mughal Art/Architecture (combined Indian, Persian, and Arab styles).