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Ottoman Empire

Definition

The Ottoman Empire was a state that controlled much of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa between the 14th and early 20th centuries. It was founded at the end of the 13th century in northwestern Anatolia by Osman I.

Analogy

Think of the Ottoman Empire as a giant octopus with its tentacles reaching out to different parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Just like an octopus adapts to its environment for survival, so did the empire by absorbing various cultures and traditions.

Related terms

Suleiman the Magnificent: He was an influential sultan during the peak period of the Ottoman Empire's power who is known for significant legal reform.

Janissaries: They were elite infantry units that formed part of the household troops and bodyguards to the sultan in the Ottoman Empire.

Byzantine Empire: This was an empire based in modern-day Turkey (formerly Constantinople) which fell to Ottomans marking their rise.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.