The Ottoman Empire (1299–1922): How Six Centuries Shaped ...

✓ Last reviewed: May 2026 — Verified and updated by our licensed Turkey travel experts. Prices, opening hours and visa rules reflect the latest 2026 guidance. This article is part of our reverse-chronology guide to Turkish history; you can explore the full History of Türkiye series here to journey back in time with us. Quick Answer: The Ottoman Empire (1299–1922) was a vast Turkish-led state that rose from a small Anatolian beylik to control much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa for over six centuries. Founded by Osman I, its history is marked by pivotal moments like the fall of Constantinople in 1453 under Mehmed the Conqueror and a golden age under Suleiman the Magnificent , ultimately shaping the political, cultural, and architectural landscape of modern Türkiye. Welcome, fellow adventurers, to the heart of Turkish history. For six hundred years, one dynasty ruled from the shores of the Bosphorus, its influence stretching from the gates of Vienna to the sands of Yemen. This was the House of Osman, the architects of the mighty Ottoman Empire. Understanding this colossal period is not just a history lesson; it's the key to unlocking the soul of modern Türkiye—its food, its faith, its art, and its very identity. From the grandeur of Istanbul 's palaces to the quiet resilience of Anatolian towns, the echoes of the sultans are everywhere. Join us as we unravel the epic story of Ottoman Empire history . Who Founded the Ottoman Empire? The story begins in the late 13th century in the small town of Söğüt , near modern-day Bursa. Here, a charismatic tribal leader named Osman I (c. 1258–1326) carved out a small principality, or beylik . The timing was perfect. The once-mighty Seljuk Sultanate of Rum was crumbling under Mongol pressure, leaving a power vacuum in Anatolia. This chaotic period, known as the era of the Anatolian Beyliks , was a crucible of competition. Osman and his followers, known as Ottomans ( Osmanlı in Turkish), were distinguished by th