CHAPTER 61 Ottoman Empire 805 OTTOMAN EMPIRE Ottoman Empire, an empire created by Turkish tribes in Anatolia that lasted from the decline of the Byzantine Empire in the
14th century until the establishment of Turkey as Republic in 1922. It was named for Usman an amir in Bithynia who began the conquest of neighbouring regions and who founded the empire’s dynasty around 1300 A.D.
Now we discuss in detail the following important topics i.e.,
(i) Muhammad II
(ii) Sulayman the Magnificent
(in) Administration
(iv) Fall of the Ottoman Empire
MUHAMMAD THE CONQUEROR (1451-1481 A.D.) Sultan Muhammad II was one of the most eminent of the Ottoman Sultans and one who, by his conquest of Constantinople, ushered in a new era. He was born in the years 1432 A.D./ 835 A.H. At an early age in 1440 he was appointed Governor in Manisa where he remained until he became the Sultan. The young prince came to Manisa with a very large entourage, including his teacher, his servants, members of his staff, and a large train to carry his necessities. There the young prince acquired an excellent education including the knowledge of several languages. He learnt Arabic and Persian as well as Greek from the Greek minority who inhabited Manisa. It is though that from this new desire for learning sprang the idea of building a library near his palace and that since he was especially interested in astronomy and geometry, this library was
built in the style of an observatory. He was to leave Manisa at the age of nineteen, on the death of his father
Lord Eversley says, ”He was undoubtedly the ablest man that the house of Usman had as yet produced, not only as a general, but as a statesman. He had also great intellectual capacity and literary attainments. He spoke the five languages fluently. He was the most proud and ambitious of his race and the most persistent in pursuing his aims.”’
