General
The General category gathers broad overview articles on Ottoman history — introductory pieces, periodization debates, comparative looks at the empire alongside its contemporaries, and explainers that connect the dots between sultans, wars, institutions, society, and culture. Coverage spans the full arc from Osman Gazi's Söğüt frontier (1299) through the proclamation of the Republic (1923), with attention to how historians have framed Ottoman trajectories: rise and decline narratives, transformation theses, the long nineteenth century, and the legacy that shaped the modern Middle East and Balkans. Articles here are written for readers building first context on the empire before exploring more specialised sections.
The First Capital of the Ottoman Empire and the Later Capitals: From Söğüt to Istanbul
Söğüt, Bursa, Edirne and Istanbul: why the Ottoman capitals moved with the empire’s expansion, and why the first capital of the Ottoman Empire is still debated.
The First Capital of the Ottoman Empire and the Later Capitals: From Söğüt to Istanbul →
Prophets Descended from Isaac
Who are the prophets descended from Isaac? From his son Jacob and the twelve tribes to Joseph, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elijah, Zechariah, John and Jesus, in the light of the Quran and the TDV Encyclopedia of Islam.
Prophets Descended from Isaac →
How Many Siblings Did Suleiman the Magnificent Have?
Suleiman the Magnificent was the only son of Selim I still alive when his father died. Who were his siblings, and why are Korkut, Mahmud, Musa and Orhan wrongly counted among them?
How Many Siblings Did Suleiman the Magnificent Have? →
How Did the Ottoman Empire Change Under Bayezid II?
Under Bayezid II, the Ottoman Empire moderated the pace of conquest, strengthened its naval power, rebalanced domestic politics, and faced new pressure from the Safavids.
How Did the Ottoman Empire Change Under Bayezid II? →
How Did the Ottoman Empire Change Under Murad III?
Under Murad III, palace politics grew more influential as wars with Iran and Austria, the akçe crisis, and military transformation reshaped the Ottoman order.
How Did the Ottoman Empire Change Under Murad III? →
Ali Qushji’s Contributions to Science
What were Ali Qushji’s contributions to science? His work at Ulugh Beg’s observatory, his measurement of Istanbul’s position, his textbooks and his view on the motion of the earth.
Ali Qushji’s Contributions to Science →
Reasons for the Opening of the Caucasian Front
What were the reasons for the opening of the Caucasian Front? The Russian attack, Germany’s war plan, the lost provinces of Kars, Ardahan and Batum, Turanism, and the disaster at Sarıkamış.
Reasons for the Opening of the Caucasian Front →
Places Conquered by Osman Bey
Which places were conquered by Osman Bey, and in what order? From the Kulaca raid and Karacahisar to Bilecik, the victory at Koyunhisar (Bapheus) and the siege of Bursa.
Places Conquered by Osman Bey →
Dome Viziers (Kubbealtı Vezirleri)
Who were the dome viziers, why did they make decisions in front of a latticed window in the Imperial Council, and why did their number rise to nine? The rise and decline of the institution.
Dome Viziers (Kubbealtı Vezirleri) →
What Development Caused the Silk and Spice Roads to Lose Their Importance?
The most influential development in the decline of the Silk and Spice Roads was the Geographical Discoveries. How did the Ottomans respond, and when did the decline become final?
What Development Caused the Silk and Spice Roads to Lose Their Importance? →
