Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/02. South & Southeast Asian Civilizations • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
The Ottoman Empire, founded around 1299 by Osman I, was a powerful and long-lasting dynasty that controlled vast territories across Europe, Asia, and Africa for over six centuries. Its history spans from a small beylik to a transcontinental empire, marked by military conquests, administrative reforms, cultural achievements, and eventual decline, ending with the abolition of the sultanate in 1922.
Chronological Storyline (41 Milestones)
1299 CE
Osman I declares independence
Osman I declares independence from the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, founding the Ottoman beylik. This marks the beginning of the Ottoman Empire. #history #ottoman
Osman I declares independence By Ottoman miniature painting - Badisches Landesmuseum, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2725247
1326 CE
Capture of Bursa
Orhan I captures the city of Bursa from the Byzantines, making it the first Ottoman capital. This victory consolidates Ottoman power in northwestern Anatolia. #history #ottoman
Capture of Bursa By Unknown author - wow Turkey website. Image: http://wowturkey.com/tr90/Metehanzade_orhangazi1.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51236012
1354 CE
Ottoman foothold in Europe at Gallipoli
The Ottomans capture the fortress of Gallipoli, establishing a permanent presence in Europe. This event initiates Ottoman expansion into the Balkans. #history #ottoman
Ottoman foothold in Europe at Gallipoli By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=649250
1362 CE
Capture of Edirne
Murad I captures Edirne (Adrianople) and moves the Ottoman capital there. Edirne becomes a major base for further Balkan campaigns. #history #ottoman
Capture of Edirne By Tevfik Teker - https://web.archive.org/web/20161031053601/http://www.panoramio.com/photo/97343764, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57140923
Jun 15, 1389 CE
Battle of Kosovo
The Ottomans defeat a coalition of Serbian and Balkan forces at the Battle of Kosovo. Murad I is assassinated, but his son Bayezid I assumes command and secures victory. #history #ottoman
Battle of Kosovo By Adam Stefanović - image uploaded at wordpress.com, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=248947
Sep 25, 1396 CE
Battle of Nicopolis
The Ottomans, led by Bayezid I, crush a large Crusader army at Nicopolis. This victory solidifies Ottoman control over the Balkans. #history #ottoman
Battle of Nicopolis By Sébastien Mamerot - Sébastien Mamerot, Les Passages d’Outremer, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16193258
Jul 20, 1402 CE
Battle of Ankara
Timur defeats and captures Sultan Bayezid I at the Battle of Ankara. The Ottoman Empire enters a period of civil war and fragmentation (the Ottoman Interregnum). #history #ottoman
Battle of Ankara By 1436 artist - This image has been extracted from another file, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156847250
1413 CE
Reunification under Mehmed I
Mehmed I defeats his brothers and reunifies the Ottoman Empire, ending the Interregnum. He restores central authority and stability. #history #ottoman
Reunification under Mehmed I By Ottoman miniature painter - Badisches Landesmuseum, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2803462
Nov 10, 1444 CE
Battle of Varna
The Ottomans under Murad II defeat a Polish-Hungarian Crusade at Varna. This victory secures Ottoman dominance in the Balkans. #history #ottoman
Battle of Varna By Jan Matejko - former image source www.pinakoteka.zascianek.pl; current image source [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2823126
May 29, 1453 CE
Conquest of Constantinople
Mehmed II captures Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire. The city becomes the new Ottoman capital, renamed Istanbul. #history #ottoman
Conquest of Constantinople By DimiTalen - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=140075738
1461 CE
Conquest of Trebizond
Mehmed II conquers the Empire of Trebizond, the last Byzantine Greek state. This completes Ottoman control over Anatolia. #history #ottoman
Conquest of Trebizond By Samhanin - Own work, source: <Libro del conocimiento de todos los reinos>, (c.1385), n47Other sources: <Atles català> (c. 1375), <Guillmus Soleri civis maioricaru me fecit> (c.1380, Paris), https://archive.org/details/s2bookofknowledg29markuoft/page/n109, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76743473
1475 CE
Conquest of Crimea
The Ottomans conquer the Crimean Khanate, making it a vassal state. This extends Ottoman influence into the Black Sea region. #history #ottoman
Conquest of Crimea By Ultimete - File:Crimean_Khanate_Flag.png, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=122672006
1492 CE
Jewish migration to Ottoman Empire
Following the Spanish Inquisition, many Sephardic Jews are welcomed into the Ottoman Empire. They contribute to economic and cultural life. #history #ottoman
Jewish migration to Ottoman Empire By User:Darwinek - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6495791
Aug 23, 1514 CE
Battle of Chaldiran
Selim I defeats the Safavid Empire, securing Ottoman control over eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia. This victory also establishes Ottoman dominance over the Safavids. #history #ottoman
Battle of Chaldiran By Amir Pashaei - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83213370
Aug 24, 1516 CE
Battle of Marj Dabiq
Selim I defeats the Mamluk Sultanate, gaining control of Syria. This battle paves the way for Ottoman conquest of the Levant. #history #ottoman
Battle of Marj Dabiq By Şükr-i Bitlisi (Yaşam süresi: 1531) - Özgün yayın: Selimname Şu anki kaynağı: Türkiye, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82261520
Jan 22, 1517 CE
Conquest of Egypt
Selim I conquers Egypt, ending the Mamluk Sultanate. The Ottomans gain control of the Hijaz and the caliphate, with Selim assuming the title of Caliph. #history #ottoman
Conquest of Egypt By Asherbooks.com - https://www.asherbooks.com/item/_ottoman_mamluk_war__omnia_que_gesta_sunt_in_orie_n_te_inter_sophi_amp_maximum_turcarum.html?link_list=+1034827&, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=132010357
Oct 1, 1520 CE
Suleiman the Magnificent becomes sultan
Suleiman I ascends the throne, beginning a long and prosperous reign. He becomes one of the most famous Ottoman sultans, overseeing a golden age. #history #ottoman
Suleiman the Magnificent becomes sultan By Circle of Titian - Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2646041
Aug 29, 1521 CE
Conquest of Belgrade
Suleiman captures Belgrade, a key fortress in the Balkans. This victory opens the way for Ottoman expansion into Hungary. #history #ottoman )
Conquest of Belgrade By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=213009
Dec 20, 1522 CE
Conquest of Rhodes
Suleiman conquers the island of Rhodes from the Knights Hospitaller. The knights are allowed to leave, eventually settling in Malta. #history #ottoman )
Conquest of Rhodes By Fethullah Çelebi Arifi (historian, poet and painter) and/or Matrakçı Nasuh (painter of landscape) and/or other painters at the court of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent - Süleymanname MS. H. 1517, f. 149a, Topkapi Lib. Istambul; scanned from reproduction in "A story of history" by Arnold Toynbee, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2600016
Aug 29, 1526 CE
Battle of Mohács
The Ottomans decisively defeat the Hungarian army, leading to the collapse of the Kingdom of Hungary. This battle establishes Ottoman control over much of Hungary. #history #ottoman
Battle of Mohács By Bertalan Székely - Székely Bertalan, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2831638
Sep 27, 1529 CE
First Siege of Vienna
Suleiman attempts to capture Vienna but fails due to supply issues and winter. This marks the furthest Ottoman advance into Central Europe. #history #ottoman )
First Siege of Vienna By Bartel Beham - Wien Museum, MMW 097022, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1493601
1534 CE
Conquest of Baghdad
Suleiman captures Baghdad from the Safavids, extending Ottoman control over Mesopotamia. The city becomes an important Ottoman administrative center. #history #ottoman )
Sep 28, 1538 CE
Battle of Preveza
The Ottoman navy under Hayreddin Barbarossa defeats a combined Christian fleet, establishing Ottoman naval dominance in the Mediterranean for decades. #history #ottoman
Battle of Preveza By Osman Nuri Pasha and Hovhannes Umed Behzad (1809–1874) - http://www.dzkk.tsk.mil.tr/Muze/English/Koleksiyon/Tablolar/FTablolar.htmTransferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Quadell using CommonsHelper.23 February 2007 (original upload date), Original uploader was Preveza1538 at en.wikipedia, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6410372
1555 CE
Peace of Amasya
The Ottoman Empire and Safavid Persia sign the Peace of Amasya, establishing a long-lasting border. This treaty ends decades of conflict between the two empires. #history #ottoman
Peace of Amasya By Chamboz (talk · contribs) - Wikipédia, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64294534
May 18, 1565 CE
Great Siege of Malta
The Ottomans attempt to capture Malta but fail against the Knights Hospitaller. This defeat halts Ottoman expansion in the central Mediterranean. #history #ottoman
Great Siege of Malta By Mattia Perez d'Aleccio - Grand hall of the Palace of the Grand Masters in Valletta, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64582752
Oct 7, 1571 CE
Battle of Lepanto
The Holy League defeats the Ottoman navy at Lepanto. Although a significant loss, the Ottomans quickly rebuild their fleet, but the battle marks a turning point in naval dominance. #history #ottoman
Battle of Lepanto By Laureys a Castro - https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/11468/lot/135/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37718118
1574 CE
Conquest of Tunis
The Ottomans capture Tunis from the Spanish, securing control over North Africa. This victory strengthens Ottoman influence in the region. #history #ottoman )
Conquest of Tunis By Georg Braun - https://www.bibliotekacyfrowa.pl/dlibra/publication/31521/edition/96070, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=144739009
1639 CE
Treaty of Zuhab
The Ottoman and Safavid empires sign the Treaty of Zuhab, establishing permanent borders. This treaty ends centuries of conflict and defines modern boundaries. #history #ottoman
Treaty of Zuhab By Flag of Ottoman Empire (1517-1793) - https://turkicflags.wordpress.com/historical-flags-of-the-turkic-states/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/ateshahmedovic/3109940303 https://www.worldstatesmen.org/Hungary.htm https://www.facebook.com/212424193545148/photos/a.212429313544636/402195657901333/?type=3 http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/cyprus_history.html, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113247273
Jul 14, 1683 CE
Second Siege of Vienna
The Ottomans besiege Vienna for the second time but are defeated by the Holy League. This failure initiates a long period of Ottoman decline and territorial losses. #history #ottoman
Second Siege of Vienna By Anonymer, zeitgenössischer Maler - Monumentalgemälde im Heeresgeschichtlichen Museum Wien (Foto selbst erstellt), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11425070
Jan 26, 1699 CE
Treaty of Karlowitz
The Ottoman Empire signs the Treaty of Karlowitz, ceding much of Hungary and other territories to the Habsburgs. This marks the first major Ottoman territorial loss in Europe. #history #ottoman
Treaty of Karlowitz By O.Mustafin - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39305932
Jul 21, 1718 CE
Treaty of Passarowitz
The Ottomans lose further territories to Austria and Venice. This treaty ends the Austro-Turkish War and leads to a period of reforms known as the Tulip Era. #history #ottoman
Treaty of Passarowitz By WikiEditor2004 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8802393
Sep 28, 1730 CE
Patrona Halil Rebellion
A rebellion led by Patrona Halil forces Sultan Ahmed III to abdicate. This uprising ends the Tulip Era and signals growing internal instability. #history #ottoman
Patrona Halil Rebellion By Jean Baptiste Vanmour - https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/collectie/SK-A-4082, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5572759
Jul 21, 1774 CE
Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca
The Ottoman Empire loses Crimea and influence over the Black Sea to Russia. This treaty marks a significant shift in power and exposes Ottoman weakness. #history #ottoman
Jul 1, 1798 CE
Napoleon invades Egypt
Napoleon Bonaparte invades Ottoman Egypt, prompting the Ottomans to ally with Britain and Russia. This event highlights the Empire's vulnerability. #history #ottoman
Napoleon invades Egypt By Ruedi33a - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=118078293
Jun 15, 1826 CE
Auspicious Incident
Sultan Mahmud II abolishes the Janissary corps after a rebellion, massacring many. This reform allows for the modernization of the Ottoman military. #history #ottoman
Auspicious Incident By Christoph Weigel the Elder / Caspar Luyken - Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttelhttps://diglib.hab.de/drucke/wt-4f-93/start.htm, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9027503
Nov 3, 1839 CE
Tanzimat Edict
Sultan Abdülmecid I issues the Tanzimat Edict, initiating a series of reforms to modernize the empire. These include legal, administrative, and educational reforms. #history #ottoman
Tanzimat Edict By Juris Tiltins - Own work based on Derivative works of this file: Enver bey and Niyazi bey postcard 1908.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3423102
Oct 16, 1853 CE
Crimean War begins
The Ottoman Empire declares war on Russia, leading to the Crimean War. The Ottomans fight alongside Britain, France, and Sardinia against Russian expansion. #history #ottoman
Crimean War begins By William Simpson, artist (1823-1899) E[dmond]. Morin, lithographer (1824 - 1882), working for "Day & Son, lithrs. to the Queen" Published by: Paul & Dominic Colnaghi & Co., 13 & 14 Pall Mall East, publishers to Her Majesty Paris : Goupil & Cie. Leipzig: Otto Weigel - This image is available from the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID pga.03644.This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11245546
Dec 23, 1876 CE
First Ottoman Constitution
Sultan Abdülhamid II promulgates the first Ottoman constitution, establishing a parliamentary system. However, he suspends it later in 1878 and rules autocratically. #history #ottoman
First Ottoman Constitution By Published by Ahmed Kamil Printing House, Istanbul (Ottoman Turkish: Matbaa-ı Ahmed Kamil) (Turkish: Ahmed Kamil Matbaası) - Uploaded from German Wikipedia, orginally from here, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12667819
Jul 24, 1908 CE
Young Turk Revolution
The Young Turk movement forces Sultan Abdülhamid II to restore the constitution and parliament. This revolution leads to the Second Constitutional Era and an attempt to modernize the empire. #history #ottoman
Young Turk Revolution By Charles Roden Buxton - Charles Roden Buxton "Turkey in Revolution", Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3168617
Oct 29, 1914 CE
Ottoman entry into World War I
The Ottoman Empire enters World War I on the side of the Central Powers, launching attacks on Russian ports. This decision leads to the empire's eventual downfall. #history #ottoman
Nov 1, 1922 CE
Abolition of the Ottoman Sultanate
The Grand National Assembly of Turkey abolishes the Ottoman sultanate, ending the empire. The last sultan, Mehmed VI, goes into exile. #history #ottoman
Abolition of the Ottoman Sultanate By Unknown author - http://mideastimage.com/viewimages/viewimage.php?id=26, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2464741
