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Jul 27, 1299
Reign of Osman I begins, founder of the Ottoman Empire
This marks the beginning of the Ottoman Empire. Osman I created the empire by making small territorial gains in Eastern Asia, which slowly expanded into Northern Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. -
May 29, 1453
Mehmed II captures Constantinople, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire was the main opposition to the rising power of the Ottomans. This event was key for the continued growth of the Ottoman Empire. Conquering Constantinople gave the Turks resources in both monatery and natural value. -
Period: Jan 1, 1460 to Jan 1, 1478
Mehmed II conquers Morea, Trabzon, Bsonia, Crimea, and Albania.
The successful conquest of these western regions played a key role in the expansion of Turkish rule in Asia. Future endeavors depended on the successful growth of the Empire. -
Jan 1, 1462
Mehmed II builds Topkapi Sarayi
This landmark shifted the capital of the Ottoman Empire to Istanbul, and was a symbol of the Sultan's power. This palace was home for the Sultan, as well as the center for all administrative affairs. -
May 3, 1481
Mehmed II dies, Bayezid II becomes Sultan.
Mehmed II's passing was significant in Turkish history. He was a symbol of great power and success, who led the Ottoman people to new lands of wealth and prosperity. -
Jan 1, 1517
Battle of Ridaniya
The Ottoman's success at the battle of Ridaniya marked the end of their conquest of Egypt. Gaining rule over the nation gave the Sultan, Selim I, many more resources, including the title of Caliph which gave him even more legitimacy to rule over the primarily Muslim population. -
Jan 1, 1520
Rule of Suleiman I begins
Suleiman I, or Suleiman the Magnificent, is one of the greatest if not the most successful ruler of the Ottoman Empire. He led the Turkish people to many new lands in eastern Europe and the Middle East. His period of rule is marked by great prosperity and is often referred to as the Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire. -
Jan 1, 1529
Siege of Vienna
One of the first failed seiges of Suleiman's rule, many historians believe that this battle marks the beginning of the end for the Ottoman Empire. The inability to fully gain control of Hungary led to the loss of many resources and men, which inevitably led to the demise of the Ottoman Empire in the 20th Century. -
Period: Jan 1, 1533 to Jan 1, 1541
Suleiman I conquers Iraq, Libya, and Hungary.
Further expansion of the Ottoman Empire gave Suleiman more resources to continue his atatacks on Vienna. Although he was never able to fully take control of Hungary, he was able to create a treaty with Ferdinand I of Austria that split the nation between the two Empires. -
Jan 1, 1566
Reign of Suleiman I ends
The end of Suleiman I's rule marks the beginning of a long line of sultans who led the Ottoman Empire to its ultimate demise in the 20th century. Loss after loss on the battle front led to a significant decrease in power and influence in the world, and larger European powers slowly began to chip away at the Empire.
