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Founder: Osman I
Description: Osman I declares independence from the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, establishing the foundation of what would become the Ottoman Empire. This marks the beginning of a new power in Anatolia. -
Key Figure: Sultan Mehmed II
Description: The Ottomans capture Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire. This event transforms the city into Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and solidifies Ottoman dominance in the region. -
Key Figure: Sultan Selim I
Description: The Ottomans defeat the Safavid Empire in this pivotal battle, securing eastern Anatolia and asserting dominance over the Safavids. This victory also enhances the empire’s control over trade routes. -
Key Figure: Sultan Selim I
Description: The Ottoman Empire conquers Egypt and gains control of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. This conquest marks the Ottoman Empire as the leading power in the Islamic world. -
Key Figure: Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent
Description: The Ottomans achieve a decisive victory over the Kingdom of Hungary. This battle paves the way for Ottoman dominance in Central Europe and expands their territory significantly. -
Key Figure: Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent
Description: The Ottoman Empire attempts to capture Vienna but fails. Despite the failure, this event demonstrates the extent of Ottoman power and their capacity to challenge European states deep into their territories. -
Description: A significant naval battle where the Holy League defeats the Ottoman fleet. This defeat halts Ottoman expansion in the Mediterranean and marks the beginning of European maritime dominance. -
Description: Following the Ottoman defeat in the Great Turkish War, the Treaty of Karlowitz is signed. The Ottomans cede large territories in Central Europe to the Habsburgs, marking a significant territorial loss and the beginning of a long period of decline. -
Description: The Young Turks, a reformist group, lead a revolution that restores the Ottoman constitution and parliamentary rule. This marks a significant shift towards modernization and attempts to rejuvenate the empire. -
Key Figure: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Description: The Sultanate is abolished, effectively ending the Ottoman Empire. This leads to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who reforms and modernizes the nation.