Ottoman Empire
RegionTurkey/Middle East
Period1299-1922
Peak Size5.2 million km2 at peak
Founded ByOsman I
About Ottoman Empire
Lasted over 600 years, ending only after WWI. Conquered Constantinople in 1453, ending the Byzantine Empire. Controlled the holy cities of Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. The Janissary corps were elite slave soldiers. Suleiman the Magnificent expanded it to its greatest extent. The sick man of Europe was its nickname in decline.
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