The Ottoman Empire Essay, Research Paper
Around 1293 the chieftain of a nomadic Turkish tribe named Osman, founded an empire that would endure almost six hundred years. As this empire grew by conquering lands of the Byzantine Empire and beyond, it came to include, at its height, all of Asia Minor, Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Romania, Egypt, Crete, Cyprus, Palestine, and North Africa through Algeria; parts of Hungry, Austria, Russia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, U.A.E., and Syria. The elite tactics and fearsome fighting of the well trained Janissary Corps helped make the Ottoman Empire one of the largest in the world?s history.
-1-
The first ?army? of the Ottoman Empire was made up Gazis, Turkish faith fighters. They were effective against small countries and principalities, but were not always reliable. (J.F. VonHamer-Purgstal 771)
For example, the original Ottoman state was very close to Constantinople, the capital of the struggling Byzantine Empire, it was not captured until 1453. At the time of its formation the Ottoman state could not defeat the defending armies of Constantinople due to its small and untrained army.
(Bossenbrook 504)
In addition, when the Ottomans went to face the larger and more powerful army of the Tatar Empire, under the leadership of Tamerlane, the Gazis deserted. Left with an army made of Christian vassals, the Ottomans fell to the Tatar army. (J.F. VonHamer-Purgstal 771)
Since the Gazis proved to be unreliable Sultan Murad I around 1371 thought it necessary to build up an army that would have superior fighting power and be loyal to him. He began to build up the power of various non-Turkish groups in his service, particularly those composed of Christian slaves and converts to Islam. (J.F. VonHamer-Purgstal 771)
-2-
This new military infantry was well organized and trained; it was called the Janissary Corps. (J.F. VonHamer-Purgstal 773)
These Janissary warriors were mostly composed of Christians or Jews who had converted to Islam. They were brought up in the Janissary camp from about the age of 5. They were trained to be fearsome warriors, although some were trained to be administrators. Most of the Janissary soldiers were in the cavalry. The cavalry was one of the main keys to the Ottoman?s many victories. The Janissary Corp?s soldiers were paid with a regular salary now that the country was established and taxes were collected.
?Orhan?s [son of Osman, the founder of the Ottoman Empire] capture of Bursa in 1324 provided the first means for developing the administrative, financial, and military power necessary to make this principality into a real state and create an army?
( J. F. von Hamer-Pugstall 773).
The Janissary Corps were the most awesome force that Europe had contended with for centuries. They were the most fearsome fighters to attack Europe since Gengis Khan?s Golden Hordes. They fought like well trained animals. ?Orhan soon was able to capture the remaining Byzantine towns in north- western Antola: Iznik(1331), Izmit(1337), and Uskudar(1338)? (J. F. von Hamer-Pugstall 771).
-3-
?Murad conquered Thorace, northwest of Constantinople in 1361. He moved the capital to Adrianople? ( J. F. von Hamer-Pugstall 772). The Ottomans were not always expanding by means of war and conquest. They also gained territory through marriage and purchases.
?Bayezed extended the empire in Europe and added outposts along the Black Sea? ( J. F. von Hamer-Pugstall 773). The Ottomans became more powerful and now they added an artillery branch to their Janissary training.
?Murad then inaugurated the First Venetian Ottoman War (1423-30) … Venice moreover accepted Solonica to prevent further Ottoman expansion? ( J. F. von Hamer-Pugstall 773).
Murad had been warning Venice that if it didn?t give up Solonica to the Ottomans, it would be forced to go to war with them. Venice at the time had the largest navy and thought it could defeat the Ottomans, who lacked a large navy. So Murad then ordered a grand navy to be built. It was completed within a year?s time, and the Ottomans went to war.
-4-
At first they attacked the harbor cities for 6 years, then they landed the Janissaries and they easily overcame the small Venetian militia. ?The Ottomans rapidly became a sea power in the eastern Mediterranean? (Bossenbrook 504).
After the win against Venice Sultan Bayezid was pushed into making more conquests in Europe by his militant Deusirme group. So in 1483 he pushed the power of the Ottoman Empire south of the Danube by taking Slovia and Hersegovania.
?… Bayezid was forced into a number of campaigns by the exigencies of time and the demands of his more militant Devsirme followers. In Europe, he rounded off the Empire south of the Danube and Slovia by taking Hersegovania (1483)m leaving only Belgrade out of Ottman?s control?
( J. F. von Hamer-Pugstall 774).
The Ottomans had always wanted control of Mesopotamia and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. In the month of August,1514 they went to war against the Safavid army. They crush the army of Safavid because they had superiority in tactics and weapons (they also had gunpowder and cannons, compared to the Safavid, bows, arrows and spears.
-5-
??The Ottoman and Safavid armies clashed at Chaldiran of the eastern side of the Euphrates (Aug. 23, 1516) and the Safavids were routed by the Ottoman superiority in weapons and tactics-particularly because they had cannons and gunpowder, in contrast to the Safavid?s bows, arrows and spears ( J. F. von Hamer-Pugstall 778).
?The Byzantine empire was weakened by Latin conquests, and now it was further enfeebled by the loss of areas from which they might draw soldiers and revenues… those conquered territories encircled the city of Constantinople; it was therefore in a very precarious position? (Bossenbrook 504). The Ottomans, now with a powerful, better trained and well supplied army, went and sieged the city of Constantinople (April 6-May 28, 1453). Finally on May 29,1453 the city fell to the powerful army of the Ottomans. The Ottomans changed the name of Constantinople to Istanbul, and made it its capitol.
Venice had built up a series of forts along the Agean Sea (they considered it to be a Venetian Sea). The Ottomans saw them as a threat to their navy and expansion. They demanded the Venitians to surrender them.
-6-
?When Venice refused to surrender its important forts on the Agean coast of the Morea, Mehemed inaugurated the second Venitian-Ottoman War (1463-79)… and several naval raids led to peace in 1479 whereby Venice gave up its forts and paid an annual tribute? ( J. F. von Hamer-Pugstall 778).
After the defeat of the Safavid army Selim took the opportunity to attack the weak state of the Mamluks, who were in a period of civil disorder, due to the death of their leader. The Ottomans crushed the small and out manned army. By 1517 the Ottomans had control of Syria and Egypt.
?With Shah Esmail [of the Safavid Empire] still busy restoring his army, Selim was able to overcome the Mamluks in a single years campaign during the summer and winter of 1516-17. The Mamluk army fell easily to the well organized and disciplined Ottoman infantry and cavalry, supported by artillery? ( J. F.von Hamer-Pugstall 778).
The Europeans had started to fear the Ottomans in the latter half of the 13th century. In the 16th century Doria of Spain thought that an allied force of European armies personally led by him would be able to defeat the Ottoman?s navy?s power in the Mediterranean.
-7-
And thus, allow European countries to colonize Crete, Cyprus and Northern Africa.
?Dorian then organized and led an allied European naval force against the Ottomans, but it was routed at the Battle of Preveza (September 25-28 1538). Venice then surrendered it last possessions in the Agean, Morea, and Dalmatia, thus assuring Ottoman naval supremacy? ( J. F. von Hamer-Pugstall 779).
Meanwhile the Ottoman Empire continued to conquer and terrorize Europe for 200 years more. But slow decline of the Sultan?s power led to the decline of the empire. It started after Suleyman I died in 1566. The Ottomans suffer their first military defeat in 1683, and from then on started losing territories. ( J. F. von Hamer-Pugstall 783)
The Ottoman military fearsomeness was still in existence after the empire had disintegrated. Turkey was formed after the Ottoman Empire was destroyed in 1918 following the final defeat in World War I. The fear of Turkish fighters was abundant during World War II. Turkish infantryman would wrap rope around their chest and stomach prior to a ground attack.
-8-
These soldiers would attack with sword in hand to lop off the heads of enemy soldiers even after being shot many times.
The rope around the body would help keep the Turk from collapsing as he was being ?filled with lead?; he would then be able to reach his victim and ?take one with him? ( Portillo, 1994).
-9-
Другие работы по теме:
Ran Essay Research Paper Ran
Ran Essay, Research Paper Ran–Movie Review–Ryan Bobo At the age of 70, after years of consolidating his empire, the Great Lord Hidetora Ichimonji (played brilliantly by Tatsuya Nadakai) decides to abdicate the throne and divide his domain among his three sons. To illustrate his demand for family unity, Hidetora shows that a single arrow can be easily broken, but three arrows held together are strong.
Carolyngian Rennaisance Essay Research Paper Carolingian Renaissance
Carolyngian Rennaisance Essay, Research Paper Carolingian Renaissance Charles the Great s rule made a lasting impression on Europe. His rule began in 768A.D. As he defeated many enemies, he compelled them to accept the Church of Rome. In 800A.D., Pope Leo III crowned him Holy Roman Emperor. During his reign Charlemagne dedicated himself to strengthening the church and bringing learning to his empire.
Congress Of Vienna Essay Research Paper The
Congress Of Vienna Essay, Research Paper The Congress of Vienna was an international conference that was called in order to remake Europe after the downfall of Napoleon I. Many territorial decisions had to be made in the conference that was held in Vienna, Austria, from September 1814 to June 1815. The main goal of the conference was to create a balance of power that would preserve the peace.
Bound By Differences Essay Research Paper The
Bound By Differences Essay, Research Paper The Kosovo Liberation Army is still in the midst of peace talks with NATO. The peace talks came after a temporary halt in the slaughter of Serbians and Albanians living in Kosovo. (Oregonian, Front Section A4, pp. 6) The most recent genocide in Kosovo has been the result of long-standing grudges between the Albanians and Serbians living in Kosovo and was developed from opposing views over social and political domination of Albania.
East Francia Economy Essay Research Paper Booty
East Francia Economy Essay, Research Paper Booty, tribute and lan had been driving force of Eastern Empire revival on 8th century, contued in ninth century.? But also general population increase after
Asoka Essay Research Paper AsokaAsoka was the
Asoka Essay, Research Paper Asoka Asoka was the third member of the Mauryan dynasty and the grandson of the founder of the first Indian empire, Chandragupta Maurya of Magadha. Some say Asoka was the most powerful monarch to embrace Buddhism. Asoka was born in 304 B.C. and came to power in 270 B.C. after a short struggle in which one of his brothers was killed.
Mongouls Essay Research Paper MongolsMongols have a
Mongouls Essay, Research Paper Mongols Mongols have a long history of being animal herders that roamed the lands. The reason for this is because the land they lived on was because water was a hard source to come upon. Many plants that grew on their land were not enough for the tribes to live on. This would not be the case for too long though.
Socrates Essay Research Paper He was heir
Socrates Essay, Research Paper He was heir to the greatest empire on earth?but did not know it. Under his brilliant leadership, Rome was restored to unity and order after years of civil war. Augustus was Julius Caesar`s grand nephew and adopted son, and unbeknownst to him, Caesar had decreed that on his death, Augustus should succeed him as Consul of Rome.
African Empires4 Essay Research Paper The Ancient
African Empires4 Essay, Research Paper The Ancient African Empires were very advanced for there times, they were advanced before any European contacts. Each Empire had its similarities and its differences but none of the empires were exactly the same, but they were all advanced Empires for their time. Even though many people believe that Africa was nothing until the Europeans stumbled upon the land they are very mistaken.
Ethnic Cleansing Essay Research Paper The first
Ethnic Cleansing Essay, Research Paper The first and most important human right is the right to live, but sometimes others bend the rules, and this is when genocide begins. Crimes against humanity have been around for many generations, including ours. The genocide against the Armenians by the Ottoman Turks in 1915 was because the Turkish authorities wanted to eliminate the Armenian presence in the country.
History Of Serbia Essay Research Paper During
History Of Serbia Essay, Research Paper During the A.D. 500’s and 600’s, various groups of Slavs, including the ancestors of the Serbs, settled in the Balkan Peninsula in the area of present-day Serbia. Each group had its own leader until the late 1100’s, when Stefan Nemanja, a warrior and chief, formed the first united Serbian state.
Ptolemy Sucks Ass Essay Research Paper 1
Ptolemy Sucks Ass Essay, Research Paper 1. Ptolemy established his own latitude and longitude places in the Roman Empire. Since he was wrong by about 30 % he estimated the earth to be one
European Challenges To The Muslim World Essay
, Research Paper ?European Challenges to the Muslim World? Religion has always played an important role in European society; Islam has usually been the major religion. It was no different in the 1700?s and 1800?s. During this time, reforms were formed to revolt against the government. These reforms most often stressed religious piety and obedience to strict rules of behavior.
Charlemagne 3 Essay Research Paper Charlemagneby Javier
Charlemagne 3 Essay, Research Paper Charlemagne by: Javier V lez Charlemagne was an ambitious king, aggressive and cruel, but was really good when having to deal with expansion and organization. His greed made him conquer many regions and build a large empire made up of 250 counties. Charlemagne was determined to strengthen his realm and to bring order to Europe through organization and dedication.
Dracula Essay Research Paper The creation of
Dracula Essay, Research Paper The creation of this monster was actually based upon a Romanian myth,(derived from the word draclu-devil) which implied the existence of vampires or the undead, as Stoker says. But, let?s look at this novel in a different way. Who was Dracula?
Comparison Between Indian Great Rulers Essay Research
Paper Comparison and Difference Between Great Indian Rulers The three great rulers from the three great empire (Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal) that I focused on are Suleyman the Magnificent, Shah Abbas, and Akbar. The similarity between these three rulers is vast. They all were contributed somehow to there empire and were praised for this by the people.
Greek Geography Essay Research Paper The geography
Greek Geography Essay, Research Paper The geography in Ancient Greece did affect the way the Greeks lived their day-to-day lives. Greek?s geography prevented most kinds of agriculture the opportunity to grow. Also, it forced most of the Greek city-states to develop their own customs and government. Being on the seafront of the Mediterranean Sea gave them many opportunities to make an empire.
Fall Of Constantinople Essay Research Paper By
Fall Of Constantinople Essay, Research Paper By 350 A.D., Constantinople was one of the world?s greatest capitals. The city was located between Asia and Europe, making it a very diverse and strategic place. The many bodies of water surrounding the peninsula gave Constantinople many trade routes as well as protection.
Persian Empire Essay Research Paper The Persian
Persian Empire Essay, Research Paper The Persian EmpireThe Persian Empire, started in 539 B.C., stretched from the Indus River all the way to Egypt. They are considered a model for the future empires because of their justice, simple religion, and roads. Unlike some of the pharaohs in Egypt, who collected any amount of tax, anytime they wanted to, the Persian rulers collected the taxes fairly.
History Essay Research Paper 4 discuss the
History Essay, Research Paper 4. discuss the values which helped the Romans build an empire from a city-state.From a city-state to Roman Empire, the values such as individualism and Greek idea helped the Romans build an empire from a city-state. During a city-state period, the Romans were very concerned about maintaining the customs or traditions of their ancestors.
Changes To Greece Brought About By WWI
Essay, Research Paper Changes to Greece Brought About By WWI. World War One greatly affected many countries in Europe. Some of the post-war affects were the country’s population, economy, politics, and geography. Usually, when wars come to end, there are winners and losers. One party celebrates its victory while the other tries to overcome its defeat.
Austria Ottoman Report Essay Research Paper The
Austria Ottoman Report Essay, Research Paper The Austrian Empire had long been declining. This was due to a number of reasons. Most important were the different nationalities within the Empire. The Germans were the minority however they were in control of the government and all other important political positions.
Ottoman Empire
– Focus On Society Essay, Research Paper By the 16th century, the vast and mighty empire of the Ottomans had reached the zenith of its power. The lands under Ottoman rule stretched from the heart of Central Europe to the deserts of Arabia. In nearly every respect, the Ottoman Empire was strong and well-organized.
Costantine
– Byzantine Culture Essay, Research Paper HECTOR MERCEDES HISTORY 101-003 PROFFESOR RICHARD GREEN COSTANTINE/BYZANTINE CULTURE MAY 11, 2000 The Byzantine Empire was the eastern part of the Roman Empire, which survived the destruction of the western empire. Constantinople, which is now Istanbul, Turkey, was the capital city.
Fall Of Rome Essay Research Paper One
Fall Of Rome Essay, Research Paper One of the most famous empires of all time is the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire stretched as far north as Great Britain, as farwest as Spain, south to North Africa and east to Mesopotamia. It hadmany strengths such as their law, which became international, theirlanguage of Latin, and their advanced engineering such as roads,aqueducts and bridges.
The Roman Empire Essay Research Paper Greek
The Roman Empire Essay, Research Paper Greek culture laid the foundation for the Roman Empire. The Roman people wanted to be like the Greek people. For example the Romans made a sculpture of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The Romans recognized the Greek art and architecture to be very well done. Since the Romans likes these traits of the Greek they used the Greeks ideas and created there own.
T E Lawrence Essay Research Paper Colonel
T E Lawrence Essay, Research Paper Colonel T. E. Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia, was a guerrilla leader in the Arab Revolt of 1916-18, which expelled the Turks from western Arabia and
Genghis Khan Essay Research Paper Genghis Khans
Genghis Khan Essay, Research Paper Genghis Khan?s original name was Temujin. He was born in 1167 near lake Baikal in Russia, born the son of Yesukai. His father was a tribal chief. At the age of
Achievements Of The Byzantine Empire Essay Research
Paper Achievements of the Byzantine Empire The Byzantine Empire provided an environment where people of all races and cultures could mingle into one. Byzantine was mostly influenced by the Ancient Greeks and Romans, and later on, Asia. The Byzantine Empire created a strong alliance between the Western European kingdoms, which allowed them to resist the religion of Islam when the Ottomans took over.
Ottoman Empire Essay Research Paper The Ottoman
Ottoman Empire Essay, Research Paper The Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Empire was founded in the late thirteenth century and last until the early twentieth century. This empire was one of history s greatest military empires (564 McKay, Hill, Buckler) that was centered around the present day country of Turkey.
The Eastern Empire Essay Research Paper The
The Eastern Empire Essay, Research Paper The Eastern Empire is referred to today as the Byzantine Empire. The empire was located in Constantinople. The Empire, ruled by Arcadius, was wealthy and heavily populated. It was a Greek-speaking Christian state. This empire was very different from old Rome. Arcadius reigned from 408-450.
The Byzantine Empire Essay Research Paper The
The Byzantine Empire Essay, Research Paper The Byzantine Empire The Byzantine Empire, the survivor of the Roman empire, flourished into the oldest and longest lasting empire in our history. It began with Constantine
Peter Thegreat Essay Research Paper Peter I
Peter Thegreat Essay, Research Paper Peter I the Great 1672 – 1725 Russian Czar Peter was born in Moscow. He was joint czar with his mentally retarded half-brother, Ivan, under the regency of their sister, Sophia (1682-9). On Ivan’s death (1696) Peter became sole czar.