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The '''Ottoman Empire''' was a [[Muslim]] [[theocracy]] which ruled much of the [[Middle East]] as well as parts of [[Africa]] and [[Europe]] from 1299 A.D. until 1922 A.D..
The [[Ottoman Turks|Ottomans]] are perhaps most notable for their overthrow of the [[Byzantine Empire]] in 1453, by capturing the Christian city of [[Constantinople]] (now [[Istanbul]]) during a time that saw expansion into Christian eastern Europe. After capturing the city, the Ottomans changed the [[Hagia Sophia]] from a Church into a [[Mosque]]. This event is commonly considered the end of the [[Roman Empire]], as the Byzantine Empire was a continuation of the [[Roman Empire]] in the east.
The Ottoman Empire continued to militarily force their way into south eastern Europe. In retrospect their failure in the [[Siege of Malta]] (1565) and defeat at the [[Battle of Lepanto]] (1572) were the turning points in their expansion in the Mediterranean. During this period, a strengthening Muscovy ([[Russia]]) was winning Muslim territory and pushing at Ottoman borders. As Europe continued to make heavy military strides in the following centuries, the Ottoman Empire began to lag and lose status as a major power. Wars with Russia became frequent in the later part of its existence, with the Russians often getting the better of the engagements.
In the 19th century the Empire was actually aided in its survival by the powers in Europe, who feared its collapse or loss of large amounts of land to Russia would destabilize the balance of power.
The Ottoman Empire fought alongside the [[Central Powers]] during [[World War I]] and collapsed after its defeat. It was during this time when the [[Armenia#genocide|Armenian genocide]] occurred. Much of the pre World War I territory of the Ottoman Empire was placed under British and French control, while [[Mustafa Kemal Ataturk]] led a revolution and established the secular nation of [[Turkey]].
[[Category:Former Countries]]