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1281
Founding of Ottoman dynasty
The founding of the Ottoman dynasty is important because they would grow to be very strong and last 600 years. They were able to seize power in Anatolia after a Mongol invasion, and from there they continued to conquer other territories. Their conquest of Constantinople was very notable, and it completely changed how multiple empires functioned. The Byzantines were now done for, and people turned to Russia as the center for Orthodoxy. This wouldn't
have been possible without the Ottomans -
1450
Beginning of large-scale recruitment of Janissary troops
This was significant because the Janissaries would one day grow in power and cause some problems for the government. These slave boys received schooling along with training, and when they were old enough they would trade their military service for political influence. The power of the warrior aristocracy shrank, and the Janissaries became vital to Ottoman success. Along with this, they had the power to dispose of Sultans by the mid-16th century. -
1453
Ottoman capture of Constantinople
The Ottoman capture of Constantinople was important because it was a big victory for the Ottomans, and it signifies the end of the Byzantines. With the Ottomans in charge of Constantinople, there was now a link between Asia and Europe, and a good deal of trade and commerce took place. Look at bigger picture stuff, the fall of Constantinople shifted the center of the Orthodox church to Russia, changing the dynamics there as well. -
Period: 1501 to 1510
Safavid conquest of Persia
The Safavid conquest of Persia was important because it would incorporate many Persian ideas into their culture later on. Persians were recruited for positions in the court, and the organization of court rituals and exalted position of shahs reflected Persian culture. The title padishah also goes back to Persia. Of course, the conquest of Persia also demonstrates Persian power at that time and their expansion as an empire. -
1514
Ottoman victory over Safavids at Chaldiran
The battle at Chaldiran was important because it reflected the ongoing conflict between the Sunni and Shi'a sects of Islam. The Ottoman victory meant that the Safavids could no longer expand to the west. However, the Ottomans were not able to conquer any Sdafavid land. The importance of cannons and muskets was very notable in this situation because this was something that Safavids lacked, which is a big factor is why they were severely defeated by the Ottomans. -
Period: 1556 to
Reign of Akbar
Akbar is considered to be one of the greatest leaders in world history. He inherited the throne at age 13 and surprised everyone by being a very able fighter and leader. He was a great military commander and he worked incredibly hard. He oversaw the building of military and administrative systems which would say in place for centuries. He put in place many reforms and did his best to unite the Muslims and Hindus. Even when that failed he was tolerant and gave women more rights as well. -
1571
Battle of Lepanto
The battle of Lepanto was significant because it put a check to the Ottoman naval power. The Ottomans and Spain went head to head, and Spain came out victorious. This defeat hurt the Ottoman naval power in that part of the sea, and although they could still conquer other islands, this greatly changed the Ottoman Empire and was a huge victory for Spain, and the rest of Catholic Europe. -
Period: to
Reign of Abbas I (the Great) in Persia
Abbas the Great was important because he extended the Safavid domain to its greatest extent. He also created slave regiments that were very similar to the Janissaries in the Ottoman empire. He incorporated Western military technology into their army as well, which was a big step for the Safavids. Abbas established the empire as a major center of international trade and Islamic culture and also founded that Capital of Isfahan, which included colleges, mosques, and shops. -
Period: to
Reign of Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb was the leader during the Mughal decline. He had two goals which were to extend Mughal control and to rid Indian Islam fo Hindu influences. While he did conquer most of India, this drained them of their resources greatly. He wasn't too concerned with essential reforms and administrative tasks as well. In fact, pretty much everything Abbas put in place was undone under Aurangzeb's rule. Restrictions were put back on Hindus, revolts were common. The Sikhs also rose during this time. -
Fall of Safavid Dynasty
The fall of the Safavid dynasty was largely caused by weak leadership. Abbas I's weak grandson was placed on the throne, and after that, the quality of rulers suffered because they only knew a life of luxury. The Ottomans and Mughals conquered their territory, showing the strength of those empires while the Safavids got weaker. They finally fell in 1722 because of other nomadic groups that attack, disease, and starvation. It was re-established for a little while but was short-lived.