The Ottoman Empire, founded around the late 13th century, rose to power through strategic military conquests and effective governance. Under leaders like Osman I and his successors, the Ottomans expanded their territory across Anatolia, the Balkans, and the Middle East.
Key factors in their rise included a formidable military, adopting gunpowder technology, and employing skilled administrators. The Ottoman system of government, characterized by a blend of military and bureaucratic elements, allowed for efficient rule over diverse populations. Additionally, they practiced religious tolerance, incorporating various ethnic and religious groups into their empire.
The Ottoman Empire reached its zenith under Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, controlling a vast and culturally diverse domain. However, by the 17th century, internal challenges and external pressures contributed to its gradual decline, leading to the empire's eventual dissolution after World War I.