Vocab Review 2.5

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Osman I

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The founder of the Ottoman Empire (ruled c. 1299–1324). The empire is named after him.

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Sultan

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The ruler of the Ottoman Empire, serving as both political leader and head of Islam.

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Janissaries

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Elite soldiers of the Ottoman army, originally made up of Christian boys taken through the devshirme system.

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Devshirme system

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A practice where Christian boys from the Balkans were taken, converted to Islam, and trained for government or military service.

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Meritocracy

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A system where people earn positions based on talent and ability, not just family background.

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Millet system

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A system that allowed religious groups like Christians and Jews to govern themselves in their own communities under Ottoman rule.

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Siege of Constantinople

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In 1453, the Ottomans under Mehmed II captured Constantinople from the Byzantine Empire, marking the end of Byzantium.

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Harquebus

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An early type of gun or musket used by Ottoman soldiers.

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Basilica cannon

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A massive cannon used by the Ottomans to break through the walls of Constantinople in 1453.

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Istanbul

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The new name given to Constantinople after it was taken by the Ottomans; it became the capital of the empire.