The founding of the Ottoman Empire is one of the pivotal developments that changed the course of world history. It emerged in the late 13th century, during a period when rivalries between various principalities were ongoing across Anatolia. During this time, as the Seljuk state weakened, many of these principalities began to act independently.
The Ottoman Beylik (principality) began to assert its presence within this environment. Founded around Söğüt and Domaniç under the leadership of Osman Gazi, this principality quickly developed a structure that set it apart from the others. The founding of the Ottoman Empire is traditionally dated to 1299. This year is considered the point at which Osman Gazi began acting as an independent bey.
During the founding period, conquests carried out particularly along the Byzantine frontier contributed to the Ottomans’ growing military and political strength. Over time, expansion policies directed toward western Anatolia and the Balkans allowed the state to grow further. What began as a small frontier principality transformed into a regional power within a short time.
Who First Founded the Ottoman State?
The Ottoman Empire was founded in the late 13th century by Osman Gazi. Osman Gazi was a Turkmen bey belonging to the Kayı tribe. This political entity, which began in the Söğüt and Domaniç region, eventually came to be known as the Ottoman Empire. Osman Gazi’s leadership stood out not only for his military skill but also for his influence over the people. Although many principalities existed in Anatolia at the time, the Ottoman state followed a distinct path toward lasting organization.
Osman Gazi took over leadership of the principality after the death of his father, Ertuğrul Bey. However, the feature that most distinguished him from other beys was his vision. Because of its location on the Byzantine frontier, the Ottomans pursued a swift and successful course of conquest. The foundations of the Ottoman Empire were laid during this period, and its first territorial expansions were achieved in a short time.
The raiders (akıncı) who rallied around Osman Gazi achieved significant successes in campaigns against Byzantium. This both increased the Turkish population in the region and helped the Ottoman Empire grow stronger. Bilecik, regarded as the first capital, played an important role in the development of the Ottoman state.
How Many Years Did the Ottoman Empire Last?
The Ottoman Empire existed for a total of 623 years, from its founding in 1299 to its dissolution in 1922. This is an exceptionally long span for a state to remain on the stage of history. The Ottoman Empire stood out not only for its military achievements but also for its lasting political and cultural influence.
Over the course of its existence, from founding to dissolution, 36 sultans sat on the throne. The governing approach of each sultan was shaped by the conditions of his era. The Ottoman Empire managed to maintain stability for a long period thanks to its centralized administrative structure.
Having grown through conquests in its early period, the state entered a new phase with the conquest of Istanbul in 1453. This event caused the state to evolve into an imperial structure. The conquest of Istanbul allowed the Ottomans to become a center of power.
The Ottoman Empire reached its widest borders in the 16th century. Under the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, Ottoman rule extended across a vast geography stretching from Europe to Africa and from the Middle East to the Caucasus. This period is also regarded as the years when the empire was at its most powerful.
The Ottoman Empire came to an end in 1922 with the abolition of the sultanate. In its place, the foundations of the Republic of Turkey were laid.
