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May 29, 1453
1453-The Ottomans capture Constantinople
The Byzantine Empire suffered massive population losses from the Black Plague, and it was in an already weakened state. The Ottomans sieged and captured the city, and with this action, they solidified their role as a prominent power in Eurasia. Constantinople played an essential role in Eurasian trade at this time. People either had to go through Constantinople or around Africa in oder to get to the East Indies. This trade brought greater economic success, which carried on for centuries. -
Sep 30, 1520
Coronation of Suleiman the Magnificent
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Period: Sep 30, 1520 to Sep 5, 1566
Rule of Suleiman the Magnificent AKA Suleiman the Lawgiver
During his rule, Suleiman expanded the Ottoman Empire to its largest borders, but within these borders he allowed people to keep some independence, including culture and religion. This tolerance appeased conquered people and kept them mostly peaceful. Peaceful people make trade easier and more prosperous. -
Period: Dec 5, 1532 to May 29, 1555
Ottoman Safavid War***NO OFFICIAL START DATE***
During this war, the Ottomans showed their power and won large amounts of territory from the Safavids. In this war, the Ottomans captured Baghdad from the Safavids. (use Baghdad as a frame of reference to gauge military success throughout the timeline) The might of the Ottoman Empire is due in part to their economic success. The large, technologically advanced army required a lot of funds to continue to operate. Productive trade in Constantinople and the Bosphorus helped fuel this powerhouse. -
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Another Ottoman-Safavid War ***EXACT START AND END DATES ARE UNCERTAIN***
This war ended in favor of The Safavids and resulted in the transferof Baghdad fro Ottoman possesion to Sfavid possession. As a result of lesser economic success, the Ottomans suffered in other areas as well. Not only was their progress slowed, but in some cases it moved backwards like in this case, when they lost territory that they had relatively recently won. -
Coronation of Ahmed I
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Period: to
The Rule of Ahmed I ***DATE OF DEATH UNKNOWN***
Ahmed I is considered one of the weaker sultans whose rule led to the stagnation of Ottoman expansion and prosperity. In addition to weak leadership, the cause of lessened success for the Ottomans was the cause of wealth for others. Europeans did not like the fact that the Ottomans were Muslim .(or at least their government was) This caused them to begin to take the alternate route around Africa, and explore the "New World" rather than continue to rely on the Silk Road. -
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Rule of Murad IV
Murad IV considered himself as a stronger Sultan than his most recent predecessors. Part of his focus was creating economic reforms in order to bring back the Empire’s former glory. -
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Yet Another Ottoman-Safavid War ***EXACT START DATE IS UNKNOWN***
With a new sultan in power, the Ottomans won this war and recaptured a lot of lost territory including Baghdad. This, once again, proves how economic success is essential to success in other areas. -
Coronation of Murad IV
