Suleiman the Magnificent

Suleiman Takes Over the Ottoman Empire

1520

Suleiman takes his father's place as ruler of the Ottoman Empire in 1520. He begins his reign by campaigning against Christian Europeans. Remembered as "Suleiman the Lawgiver", Suleiman made would make grand conquests while he was in power. Additionally, he loved writing poetry in his free time! The attached picture displays Suleiman casually traveling by horse in the beginning of his reign.

The Siege of Belgrade

1521

Suleiman decided to conquer Belgrade (followed by Rhodes), places his ancestors failed to capture. Despite only 700 Ottoman men, those at Belgrade were unprepared and thus defeated. The Ottoman soldiers went in to the battle with full sacrifice, showing Suleiman's impressive leadership.

The Siege of Rhodes

1523

With the help of some 400 ships, Suleiman personally led over 100,000 to the island of Rhodes. After a long 5 months of battle, Rhodes capitulated. Suleiman the Magnificent succeeded in the Siege of Rhodes, the second and successful attempt to secure control of the Eastern Mediterranean. This continued Suleiman's impressive expansion of the Ottoman Empire, both geographically and in terms of power. His respect from the Ottomans grew as well, earning names like "The Lawgiver".

Suleiman Defeats Louis the 2nd of Hungary

1526

At the battle of Mohacs, Suleiman scored a decisive victory against the Kingdom of Hungary and its allies, killing Louis the 2nd. Hungary and Croatia became disputed territories between the Habsburg and Ottoman Empires. After Hungarian resistance collapsed, the Ottoman Empire became the pre-eminent power in Southeast Europe. Additionally, after such a glorious win, it was obvious that the Ottomans were a powerful threat, as well as Suleiman himself.

Suleiman's 1st campaign against Persia

1534

After starting and succeeding with this campaign, Suleiman gave Ottomans control of Eastern Asia with territories like Baghdad and "Erzerum". This battle/expansion began a long lasting war between the Ottomans and the Persians. The attached picture displays Suleiman traveling through the areas he would conquer, such as Eastern Asia.

Invasion of Moldavia

1538

Suleiman invaded Moldavia. The prince Peter IV Rareş fled into exile in Transylvania. Suleiman occupied major cities of Moldavia, including the capital of Jassy. Continuing captures like these aided in the expansion of Suleiman's Empire. The Ottoman Empire's economy couldn't have been more thriving. Additionally, the military, along with Suleiman, were rising towards their peak in power. The attached picture displays some Moldavia territory.

Suleiman's 2nd Campaign Against Persia

1548

Attempting to bring down the Safavid Empire, Suleiman embarked on another campaign against the Persians. With no luck, he abandoned the campaign little after, only gaining some territory around Lake Van under.

Suleiman's 3rd Campaign Against Persia

1555

Suleiman began his 3rd and final campaign against the Safavid Empire (Persia). After losing and regaining Erzerum, Suleiman gained some areas like Mesopotamia and part of the Persian Gulf. This added to the geographical expansion of the Ottomans, as well as contributing to their extensive power/domination over their enemies (thanks to Suleiman).

Peace of Amasya

1562

Suleiman's overwhelming success was followed by a peace treaty with Iran. Suleiman signs for peace and permanent borders between Iran and the Ottoman Empire were made to further stop conflict. Peace lasted for 20 years. Suleiman ended up befitting his empire with great geographical expansions and an overall rise in military power.

The Death of Suleiman

1566

Suleiman dies "peacefully" in his command tent while leading his last campaign against Szigetvar, Hungary. The Ottomans named him "The Lawgiver", and the Europeans named him "The Magnificent", clear signs of respect (and thus prestige). Suleiman would be recognized for his conquering much of the Eastern Mediterranean and defeating the Safavid army. And it was not only respect from the outside, but within the Ottoman Empire as well, for Suleiman raised them and their nation.