Wars and Conquests

The military history of the Ottoman Empire spans more than 600 years and three continents, defining the political map of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This category examines the empire’s major wars, sieges, and conquests, from Osman I’s frontier raids in Anatolia to the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the Battle of Mohacs, the Siege of Vienna, the Crimean War that bound the empire to European politics, and the long series of Ottoman–Iranian wars in the east. Articles analyze military strategy, the role of the Janissaries and Sipahis, the development of Ottoman naval power, key commanders, and the geopolitical consequences of each campaign. We also cover specific frontier questions such as how Jerusalem fell out of Ottoman hands and how Palestinian populations interacted with Ottoman soldiers. From early triumphs that shaped the early modern world to the wars that ended the empire, this section offers a comprehensive look at Ottoman military affairs.