Ottoman Empire borders Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Empire declined significantly in 19th century due to foreign interference. Young Turk Revolution in 1908 brought radical modernists to power. Abdulhamid II's absolute rule led to Pan-Islamism and religious divisions
Ottoman education was limited to classical schools until 17th century. Military schools were first opened during Sultan Selim III's reign. Tanzimat (1839-1876) introduced European rational thought and education
Osman I established Ottoman Empire as Khan of Kayıhan in 1299. Red color chosen to represent Ottoman identity, unlike traditional Turkic colors. Original flag featured gold crescent symbolizing Byzantium and Kayi clan
Established in 1393 by Sultan Bayezid I during his absence. Initially called beylerbeylik or vilayet, later became eyalet in 1591. Capital moved from Ankara to Kütahya in late 15th century. Reported area in 19th century was 65,804 square miles
Founded by Osman in 1299, Ottoman Empire reached peak in 16th-17th centuries. Conquered Constantinople in 1453 under Mehmed II the Conqueror. Expanded into Balkans, Mediterranean islands, and parts of Middle East. Conquered Egypt, Iran, and North Africa under Selim I
Ottoman Empire created its own Orient in nineteenth-century Western-dominated modernity. Ottoman Orientalism emerged as complex Ottoman attitudes during reform period. Ottoman reformers recognized Western progress while resisting colonialist implications