Ottoman Empire (World Cultures)

Mehmed ll : an Ottoman sultan who captured Constantinople, he blasted down the walls with his siege guns and after conquering the city he brought back it's glory. he turned the Cathedral of St. Sophia into a great mosque (Hagia Sophia) and repaired aqueducts, markets, and the city's defenses. He generally improved Constantinople.

Janissaries : They were elite soldiers who had control over artillery and firearms, which were the most powerful weapon in the Ottoman army. Technically slaves who were forcibly recruited as teen boys from conquered Christian areas, like the Balkans. Tried to translate their military service to political influence. They ended up controlling a lot of the government, by basically 'choosing' which son would ascend the throne.

Vizier : The overall head of the imperial administration, technically had more power than the sultan. In later years when the quality of sultans declined, the Grand vizier really stepped up and took control for the sultan. He ran day to day stuff, while the sultan was just the one in power.

Rise of Ottomans: Their military was very powerful and they expanded very quickly. Due to the Jannisary and siege guns, the Ottomans were able to overpower their opponents.

Fall of Ottomans: Their empire was too big, they couldn't control it. Soon enemies began to chip away at the empire little by little, until it was deemed the "sick man of Europe". It took a big hit from the Safavids, which basically was one of the tipping points. They also had bad/corrupt government officials,and regional officials retained revenue for themselves. The Sultans became incompetent, the Jannisaries refused to upgrade, and they eventually fell behind the Europeans and failed to expand.