Overview of the Ottoman Empire

It is unbelievable to say how this semester had gone by so fast. From the numerous videos watched in class and the countless books, articles and journals read, it is very fascinating to know how the Ottoman Empire had began in 1280 and had finally came to an end in 1918 possibly 1924. From the first Sultan (Osman I) to the last Sultan ( Mehemed VI Vahdettin) the Ottoman Empire had experienced almost like a rollercoaster ride of some sort. It amazes me at time to know that under the Islamic law alone the Ottoman Empire was able to control such large vasts of land they occupied until the western influence had come about. If it wasnt for the strong Ottoman values and beliefs maybe the Ottoman Empire may have lasted longer if they were willing to modernize and be open to new ideas and willing to be open to the world and technology and its advancements. For instance how women were treated in the Ottoman Empire was some what ignorant and absurd in my opinion to make women dress the way they were forced to not being able to expose the true beauty they had but instead were forced be vieled for many centuries and it wasnt until the end of the reign of the last Sultan that women would soon see changes in dressing styles which had laid the grounwork for 2oth century Turkey where women are allowed to expose their beauty and not have to hide under garments despite the fact that the women were also exposed to polygamy and they had no choice about it either. To be honest thats what confuses me why would men within the Harem womanize and then again force the women within the palace to be veiled in public---so obnoxious and ignorant of the men at that time. along with that being said i would also extend an apolgy to those who feel otherwise to that comment and thats why once again thats why this is my blog and my opinion. I apologize to those who may be offended. After taking the History of the Ottoman Empire and being drawn to how women were treated and why they were treated had led to my decision of wanting to understand why this was done therefore i am enrolled in a course next semester that would broaden my mind to understand these concepts and forgive me if i am wrong but the course i will be taking is women and imperialism which would help me understand.

On a better note what had also fascinated me while learning the Ottoman Empire was the architecture that was used when constructing the large palaces as well as the churches. When constructing these building it was if there were no limits when making the Sultan happy fulfilling his desires of marble, tile, gold, and beautiful art work that covered these building. i have one word that sums it all up -- Phenomenal!!!! When expressing my true feeling at times i may sound like a dork but hey its the truth and once again its my blog...

Beggining of the Ottoman Empire

With the Ottoman Empire lasting for almost 7 consecutive centuries, it is obvious to us all that this had been done so with great leadership along with the discipline and great belief within its followers to carry out such an idea to attempt to conquer the Western Hemisphere and try to become one of the most powerful empires to ever exist to man kind.

With Osman being the founder and first leader of the Ottoman Empire had the plans of becoming the ruler of trades and that couldnt be possible without the control of Instanbul starting a dynasty that would rule for numerous centuries to come.

Lasting until 1918, the Ottoman Empire was comprised of various institutions such as the Janessaries, and the Devshirme system. The first janessary corp was formed in 1377 consisting of slaves and prisoners. Within years to come the Ottomans then created the devshirme sysytem. A system that would be effective until the 17th century . The fall of the devshirme system is said to be one of the reasons for the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.