Changes

The [[Ottoman Turks|Ottomans]] gained power by overthrowing the [[Byzantine Empire]], a process that took a century and finished in 1453. That year they captured the Byzantine capital of [[Constantinople]] and renamed it [[Istanbul]].

The [[Ottoman Turks|Ottomans]] gained power by overthrowing the [[Byzantine Empire]], a process that took a century and finished in 1453. That year they captured the Byzantine capital of [[Constantinople]] and renamed it [[Istanbul]].

===Tolerance===

===Tolerance===

When the empire was growing it adopted a policy toward Christians and Jews, and towrad various ethnic groups.  They would all be tolerated and have a degree of self government, provided they acknowledged the empire and non-Moslems paid a tax. This was the "millet" system and created a segregated  second-class status for minorities.  Because of the increased activities of Protestant missionaries, a Protestant millet was set up in 1850, which allowed for the creation of schools and colleges aimed at non-Moslems.

When the empire was growing it adopted a policy toward Christians and Jews, and towrad various ethnic groups.  They would all be tolerated and have a degree of self government, provided they acknowledged the empire and non-Moslems paid a tax. This was the "millet" system and created a segregated  second-class status for minorities.  Because of the increased activities of Protestant missionaries, a Protestant millet was set up in 1850, which allowed for the creation of schools and colleges aimed at non-Moslems.

===Threat to Europe===

===Threat to Europe===

[[Suleiman the Magnificent]] reigned 1520–1566 and expanded into Europe, capturing Belgrade and Buda (Budapest) and threatening--but failing--to capture Vienna. His reign marked the high point of Ottoman prowess.

[[File:Suleiman1.jpg|thumb|250px|right]] [[Suleiman the Magnificent]] reigned 1520–1566 and expanded into Europe, capturing Belgrade and Buda (Budapest) and threatening--but failing--to capture Vienna. His reign marked the high point of Ottoman prowess.

The Ottoman Empire continued to militarily force their way into south eastern Europe.  Its failure in the [[The Great Siege of Malta]] (1565) and defeat at the [[Battle of Lepanto]] (1572) were the turning points in its 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.

The Ottoman Empire continued to militarily force their way into south eastern Europe.  Its failure in the [[The Great Siege of Malta]] (1565) and defeat at the [[Battle of Lepanto]] (1572) were the turning points in its 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.