The Ottoman Empire (Group 5)
By Clayton Whitt, Madison Brekke, and Reed Walker
Rise of the Ottoman Turks
Expansion of The Empire
The Fall of Constantinople
After almost two months of fighting, the Ottomans were able to push past the city walls and defeat the Byzantines.
Western Asia and Africa
The impact of the Ottoman rule on the people of North Africa was relatively light mainly because of their similarities in religion. However, taxes were increased.
Europe
This angered the Ottomans as they later attacked the Hungarians in 1526 at the Battle of Mohacs. This was a major victory over the Hungarians and eventually led to the conquering of them.
After conquering most of Hungary, the Ottomans moved into Austria and Vienna where they were finally defeated in 1529. At the same time, they extended their power into the western Mediterranean until a large Ottoman fleet was destroyed by the Spanish in 1571.
The Nature of the Ottoman Rule
Religion in the Ottoman World
In practice, the sultans gave their religious duties to a group of religious advisers known as the ulema. This group administer the legal system and school for educating Muslims. Islamic law and customs were applied to all Muslims in the empire.
The Ottoman system was generally tolerant of non-Muslims, who made up a significant minority within the Empire. They paid a tax, but were allowed to practice their religion or convert to Islam. Most people in the European areas of the empire remained Christian. However, in some areas, large numbers converted to the Islamic faith.