Rise and Decline of the Ottoman EmpireSultans ruled the Islamic Ottoman Empire. The multicultural Empire, based in present-day Turkey, extended into North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. During its height under the rule of Suleiman, (1520-66) the Empire connected most Muslim states with a strong centralized government and impressive army.
The Empire began to decline after major military losses in 1571. Outdated traditions, political infighting, and declining economic strength continued weakening the Empire. As the centralized government crumbled, the Empire contracted. |
The international stock market crash in 1873 put the Empire into a depression. The Empire accumulated huge debt, at one point defaulting. Many conquered Ottoman lands revolted. The Empire was forced to give revolting territories independence. By 1900, the Ottoman Empire had lost its world position and former glory. Because of the crumbling economy, Ottomans were less resistant to change.
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The mighty Ottoman Empire- this multi-national, multi-lingual dynasty, for centuries the most glorious, most feared Empire of the world. By the nineteenth century, the Ottoman Empire land of many races and religions, has lost her ancient tolerances and her world position, is reduced from medieval splendor to medieval squalor. Ruled by inept autocrats and ruined by foreign wars and exploited by foreigners, the people are sunk in poverty, lost in lethargy, mostly illiterate. The Turkish Empire continues to exist only because the European nations cannot agree among themselves to dismember her. The Empire was ridiculed by the Western powers as the ‘sick man of Europe’ . Excerpts from "Ataturk Republic of Turkiye" and "The Twentieth Century: The Incredible Turk"
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