OTTOMAN EMPIRE | A BRIEF HISTORY BEHIND THE LEGENDARY EMPIRE |
The Ottoman Empire: A Historical Overview 1. Origins and Rise of the Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Empire emerged in the late 13th century under the leadership of Osman I, a Turkic tribal leader in Anatolia. Taking advantage of the weakening Byzantine Empire, the Ottomans expanded their territory through military conquests and strategic alliances. By the mid-14th century, they had crossed into Europe, capturing Adrianople (Edirne) in 1362, which became their new capital. The empire’s early success was fueled by strong leadership, a disciplined military, and innovative tactics, including the elite Janissary corps. 2. Expansion and Peak of Power The Ottoman Empire reached its zenith in the 16th century under Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1566). His reign saw the conquest of Belgrade (1521), Rhodes (1522), and most of Hungary after the Battle of Mohács (1526). The Ottomans also expanded into the Middle East, capturing Baghdad (1534) and gaining cont...