Ottoman Empire

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 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 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.