Ottoman – Founding

• Osman – most successful ghazi (religious warrior)

• Allied ghazis to attack Byzantine Empire• Power vacuum left behind by Mongols and the

Seljuk Kingdom

Ottoman - Religion

• Muslim – Early roots in Sufi Islam– Eventually, Sunni Muslim state

• Freedom of worship to other faiths• Jewish and Christian communities (millets)

allowed to have own laws and practices by paying small tax

Ottoman - Leaders

Orhan (or Orkhan) • Conquered major cities, including BursaMehmed II• Conquered Constantinople in 1453Selim (the Grim)• Conquered into Muslim landsSuleyman the Magnificent • Expanded empire to largest size• Created tax & legal code (“the lawgiver”)• Like Renaissance in Europe

Ottoman – Military Success

• Gunpowder – Musket carrying foot soldiers replace archers

• Cannons• Devshirme System - young Christian boys from

conquered areas drafted for military service • Janissaries - Elite soldiers loyal to sultan

Ottoman – Empire Decline

• Suleyman killed oldest (most able) son not born to his wife– Incompetent son followed

• Resulted in weak sultans that led to slow decline over 350 years

Safavid - Founding

• “Safavid” – Islamic brotherhood founded by Safi al-Din

• Actual empire begins with 12 yo Isma’il – Began take over of Persia– Title of Shah (king)

Safavid - Religion

• Muslim– Shi’ite as state religion

• Isma’il – religious tyrant– Required conversion and put any non-convert to

death (including Sunni Muslims)

Safavid - Leaders

Shah Abbas• Drew from best of Ottoman, Persian and Arab• Reformed military – limited power and created

armies loyal to him• Reformed gov’t– Punished corruption; promoted loyal and talented

• Supported other religions to encourage European trade and artisans to move

Safavid – Military Success

• Developed artillery• Modeled one army after Ottoman janissaries

(soldiers from Christian north)

Safavid - Decline

• Similar to Ottoman situation• Shah Abbas eliminated ablest sons– Incompetent grandson took over

• String of incompetent or ruthless rulers until collapse in 1747

Mughal - Founding

• Combination of Mongols, Turks, Afghans• Name means “Mongols” • Founded by Babur at age 11– What is now Tajikistan/Uzbekistan

Mughal - Religion

• Muslim • Religious freedom– Akbar married Hindu, allowed her to maintain her

faith– Abolished taxes on other religions

• Hindus and Muslims both rise to high levels of gov’t

Mughal - Leaders

Akbar • Oversaw golden age from 1556-1605• Graduated income tax similar to that of US• Encouraged arts and literatureShah Jahan• Built Taj Mahal – memorial for wife

Mughal – Military Success

• Hindu rajput as officers• Heavy artillery, cannons

Mughal - Decline

• Empire drained of resources by poor leadership and war

• Famine• Increased power at local level; Mughal emperor

became figurehead • Imperialist Europeans further weakened