Geographical Discoveries, 15. They are great journeys that gained momentum towards the end of the century and were aimed at exploring different parts of the world. These discoveries, especially led by the Spanish and Portuguese, left their mark on world history with important events such as the discovery of new sea routes to Asia and the discovery of the Indian and American continents.
One of the areas most affected by these discoveries is the Ottoman Empire. With the Effect of Geographical Discoveries on the Ottoman Empire , the Ottoman Empire, 15. and Although it was at the peak of its power in the 16th century, it entered a difficult period economically and politically with the changes it brought.
Causes of Geographical Discoveries
There are many reasons for Geographical Discoveries. The reasons for the Geographical Discoveries are directly related to the social, economic and religious conditions of the period. The development of trade and the growth of the economy in Europe made it necessary to search for more raw materials and precious metals.
During the Middle Ages, valuable goods such as spices and silk from the East were of great importance to European traders. However, since these products passed through the Ottoman lands and reached Europe, European countries paid serious customs duties to the Ottomans. This strategic advantage of the Ottoman Empire pushed European merchants to find new trade routes in order to reduce costs.
Another important reason is the desire to spread Christianity in Europe. The Catholic Church wanted to carry Christianity to new continents and increase missionary activities by supporting discoveries. Furthermore, advancements in technology have paved the way for discoveries. Advancements in compasses, cartography, and shipbuilding, in particular, enabled long-distance voyages and enabled European sailors to reach distant continents.
Results of Geographical Discoveries
Geographical Discoveries led to radical changes in world history and became a turning point. With the results of the Geographical Discoveries , economic, social and cultural changes were experienced in Europe, the world map expanded and maritime developed.
European states gained great wealth by establishing colonies on new continents, changed trade routes and became economically stronger. The Silk and Spice Routes, dominated by the Ottoman Empire, were replaced by sea routes, and European merchants turned to new ports and regions. This situation reduced the economic income of the Ottoman Empire and caused it to decline in East-West trade.
Geographical Discoveries have also enabled the increase of cultural interactions around the world and the introduction of cultures to each other. Especially with the discovery of the American continent, different plant species, animals and natural resources reached Europe, and the place of new products in the world economy increased. This process also affected the people living in the Ottoman lands and contributed to the consumption of new products.
Negative Effects of Geographical Discoveries on the Ottoman Empire
Geographical Discoveries had negative effects on the Ottoman Empire . The Ottoman Empire obtained significant revenues from trade with its dominance on the Spice Road and the Silk Road. However, with the European states finding new sea routes, this strategic position of the Ottoman Empire lost its former importance. Products such as spices and silk did not need to pass to Europe through the Ottoman lands, which caused a serious decrease in trade revenues.
The change in trade routes and the decrease in the tax revenues of the Ottoman Empire negatively affected the state treasury. This situation caused the Ottoman Empire to lose its economic power and caused it to enter a difficult period financially.
Thanks to the Geographical Discoveries, European countries became rich and technologically advanced. This development allowed European armies to become stronger and more advanced weapons to be produced. The Ottoman Empire began to lose its military superiority over Europe and began to have difficulties in wars.
The Ottoman Empire was known as the greatest power in the Mediterranean region. However, as a result of the Geographical Discoveries, states such as Spain and Portugal started to compete with the Ottoman Empire commercially and politically by establishing overseas colonies. This situation also threatened the Ottoman sovereignty over the Mediterranean.
Resources
1. https://www.dilimiz.net/cografi-kesifler-ve-osmanli-devletine-etkileri/
2. https://prezi.com/uz3ank2ph2ak/cografi-kesiflerin-osmanl-devletindeki-etkileri/
