When and How Was the Ottoman Empire Founded?
The Ottoman Empire was one of
history’s longest‑lasting and most influential empires, stretching from 1299 to 1923. A Brief History of the Ottoman Empire
begins with its founding by Osman Ghazi (Osman I) in
Anatolia (modern‑day Turkey). From a small principality, it evolved into a vast empire that profoundly shaped the political and cultural landscapes of Europe, Asia, and
Africa.
The Beginning: Osman Ghazi and 1299
Osman Ghazi, a tribal leader in northwestern Anatolia, laid
the foundations of the empire in 1299.
His leadership and military campaigns united neighboring
tribes and expanded territory.
The Ottomans were named after him, “Osmanlı” in Turkish.
Crossing into Europe
By 1362, Sultan Murad I captured Adrianople
(Edirne), which became the second capital.
The Ottomans steadily advanced into the Balkans, gaining
control over Serbia, Bulgaria, and beyond.
The turning point came in 1453,
when Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror)
seized Constantinople (now Istanbul), marking the end of the Byzantine Empire and establishing the Ottomans’ final capital.
The Golden Age
Under Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1566),
the empire reached its peak:
Vast territories across Europe,
the Middle East, and North Africa.
Flourishing trade, architecture, and culture.
Legal and administrative reforms that strengthened
governance.
During its long history, the Ottoman Empire was ruled by a succession of powerful sultans. Some of the notable rulers include:
Osman Ghazi (1299–1326): The founder of the Ottoman Empire, who led his tribe in a series of raids and conquests that led to the formation of the Ottoman state.
Orhan Ghazi (1326–1359): Osman Ghazi's son, who captured the city of Bursa, which became the empire's first capital.
Murad I (1362–1389): The first Ottoman ruler to style himself as "Sultan", he conquered Adrianople (Edirne) and established the empire's second capital.
Mehmed II (1451–1481): Known as "Mehmed the Conqueror", he captured Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453, which became the empire's third and final capital.
Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1566): One of the most powerful and renowned Ottoman sultans, he expanded the empire's territory and introduced many legal and administrative reforms.
Selim III (1789–1807): Known for his military and administrative reforms, he attempted to modernize the empire but faced opposition from the powerful Janissary corps and was eventually deposed.
Abdulmejid I (1839–1861): During his reign, the empire faced increasing pressure from European powers and was forced to undertake major economic and administrative reforms.
Abdul Hamid II (1876–1909) was the 34th sultan of the Ottoman Empire. He was the last Ottoman sultan to have absolute power, and his reign is known for its authoritarianism and political repression. He came to power after a period of political turmoil and instability, and his first years in office were marked by an effort to restore order and stability to the empire.
Mehmed V (1909–1918): The last Ottoman sultan, who ruled during the empire's final years and the First World War.
Decline and Fall
From the late 18th century, the empire
faced:
Military defeats against rising European powers.
Internal corruption and resistance to reforms.
Loss of territories in the Balkans, the Middle East, and North
Africa.
Finally, in 1923, the Ottoman Empire
was dissolved and replaced by the Republic of Turkey, led
by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Legacy
The Ottoman Empire left behind:
Architectural marvels like the Topkapi Palace and Süleymaniye
Mosque.
A tradition of religious tolerance allows Christians, Jews, and Muslims to coexist.
A lasting influence on cuisine, art, law, and culture across
three continents.
The Ottoman Empire began to decline in the late 18th century and early 19th century, due to a combination of internal weaknesses and external pressures. The empire's territories were gradually lost to European powers, and by the early 20th century, the empire was reduced to its Anatolian heartland. In 1923, the Ottoman Empire was officially dissolved and replaced by the Republic of Turkey.