Ottoman Empire Pt. I

Front

Who were the Ottomans originally?

Back

Muslim, Turkish-speaking nomads from Central Asia who migrated to northwestern Asia Minor (Anatolia).

Front

Why did the Ottomans migrate to Anatolia?

Back

They were fleeing the Mongols (Ilkhanate) who took over Anatolia around 1240.

Front

What significant event happened in 1299?

Back

Osman Gazi rebelled against the Mongols, declaring Ottoman independence.

Front

Who was Sultan Murad I and what did he achieve?

Back

Sultan Murad I (r.1362-1389) expanded the Ottoman Empire into Greece and made deals with newly conquered non-Muslim communities (Millets).

Front

What were Millets in the Ottoman Empire?

Back

Non-Muslim communities allowed some self-rule in exchange for payment, either in money (Jizya) or in people (Devshirme).

Front

What was the Devshirme system?

Back

A system created in 1363 by Murad I, recruiting young Christian boys as slaves to serve in the Ottoman Army.

Front

What role did the Devshirme recruits play in the Ottoman Empire?

Back

They were the vanguard of the Ottoman Army until 1826 and often given high-ranking political positions after military service.

Front

Why was Constantinople significant to the Ottomans?

Back

It was the largest city in the world, providing access to major trading networks and containing lots of loot and treasure.

Front

What happened in 1453 under Sultan Mehmed II?

Back

Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople with 75,000 troops, muskets, and cannons, renaming it Istanbul and converting Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

Front

What was the impact of the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople on international trade?

Back

The Ottomans gained influence over international trade, leading European countries to invest more in maritime trade to bypass the Ottomans.