Introduction to Ottoman Empire (02:18)

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The world's last Islamic superpower once matched Rome in power and glory. In this episode, Rageh Omaar will explore its Turkish origins and early developments.

Ottoman Origins (01:52)

View a local celebration of the nomadic warriors in Sogut, Anatolia. The mercenary clan was introduced to Islam in Baghdad.

Ottoman Founding Myth (01:57)

The nomadic warriors settled in Sogut, where neighboring clans competed for resources. Learn about Osman's dream that predicted his rise to power in 1299.

Developing the Ottoman Army (02:54)

Learn about the Middle East in the late 13th century. In 1301, Osman claimed his first victory against Byzantium; other emirates joined forces. Locals pay their respects in Sogut.

Expanding into Europe (03:04)

In 1326, Osman's son Orhan took Bursa and created an Ottoman state. Byzantine rulers attempted diplomacy through intermarriage—but the Ottomans conquered Edirne and Bulgaria in the 1360s.

Ottoman Expansionist Policies (04:10)

Built in the 1370s, a local bath house in Yanitza required aqueduct infrastructure—proving the invaders settled rather than destroyed conquered territory.

Conquering Constantinople (05:02)

In 1453, the Ottomans targeted Byzantium's weakened capital as a symbol of religious superiority. Learn strategic details of Mehmet's siege, including hauling ships over land and using gunpowder.

Downfall of Byzantium (01:25)

The conquest of Constantinople signaled a shift of power to the Ottoman Empire and ended 1,000 years of Christian rule.

Reviving Constantinople (02:30)

Mehmet II brought skilled craftspeople from across the empire to build the city and revitalize trade—welcoming non-Muslim residents and modeling his reign after the Romans.

Ottoman Religious Supremacy (02:58)

Learn how Mehmet made the Hagia Sophia into his central mosque, symbolizing victory over Christian Byzantium—an act that resonates today.

Sarajevo under Ottoman Rule (04:18)

Built in the 1460s, the Bosnian city offered religious tolerance for economic growth. A mosque and an orthodox church represent political hierarchies; non-Muslims paid higher taxes.

Resisting Ottoman Rule (01:29)

Balkan Christians saw the Islamic empire as occupiers. Hear a Serbian folk song about violent oppression.

Devshirme Practice (02:06)

Learn how the Ottomans took young boys from Christian families and converted them to Islam for military and bureaucratic service.

Ottoman Harem (03:02)

Christian concubines bore the Sultan's children to protect his supremacy, a common practice among Islamic empires. View rooms in the Topkapi Palace.

Ottoman Succession Policies (02:42)

Upon the Sultan's death, his sons fought for the throne. Mehmet II secured a fatwa against his brother to avoid civil war—an issue plaguing European courts.

Dividing Islam (06:18)

Learn how Ottoman ruler Selim I broke the taboo against fighting fellow Muslims to defeat the Safavid Empire. Learn key differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims—an ongoing rivalry in the Middle East.

Conquering the Mamluk Empire (03:16)

Learn how the Ottomans expanded into Egypt, Syria and Arabia using modern gun technology and religious doctrine—gaining holy cities and becoming a Muslim majority empire.

Credits: The Ottomans: Europe's Muslim Emperors-Episode 1 (00:38)

Credits: The Ottomans: Europe's Muslim Emperors-Episode 1