Ottoman Empire

Ottoman Empire

When the Mongols advanced across Asia, Ottoman Turks (different from Seljuq Turks) fled and took asylum under Seljuqs in western Asia. But when the Seljuq Turks weakened, the Ottomans extended their power. They crossed over to Europe and occupied Bulgaria and Serbia, and made Adrianople their capital. Instead of directly attacking Constantinople they surrounded it and were biding their time. The conquest of Constantinople in 1453 A.D. (C.E.) by Mohammad II, helped establish Ottoman supremacy in the Balkans, Black Sea and the Middle East.

For some time, Ottomans were strong and Christian Europe was scared of them. After conquering Egypt, they assumed the title of Caliph. They became a major player in the international power politics of the day. Though weakened during the 19th century it formally ended only with World War I.