SkillBuilder discussion Historical significance 1. In groups or pairs identify the major trade routes in the Middle East around 1200 CE. 2. Discuss how the major trade routes in the Middle East around 1200 CE influenced the economic and political power of the emerging Ottoman Empire. 3. Control over the trade routes was fiercely fought for. Why do you think this was? The expansion begins The Ottoman Empire was established by the Seljuk Turk Osman I, who ruled from 1298 to 1326. The term ‘Ottoman’ is derived from a European form of his name. Due to the scarcity of primary sources from this period, little is known about Osman I. The available information about Osman’s rule comes from secondary sources written several centuries after his death. It is known that Osman I initiated a plan of expansion, recognising the weakening state of the Byzantine Empire. He began his conquests locally, gradually taking control of neighbouring beyliks (territories). 4.3.2
Osman I expanded his rule in multiple directions, with his movement into north-west Anatolia (modern-day Türkiye) being particularly significant. At the Siege of Bursa, Osman I captured the city previously controlled by the Byzantines. This marked the first Ottoman victory against a rival empire, and although Osman I died shortly after this event, the siege became a turning point in Ottoman history. Osman I was succeeded by his son Orhan, who further developed the Ottoman Empire. Orhan focused on improving the organisation of his military and targeted the city of Nicaea for expansion. Initially settled by the Greeks, Nicaea had a notable history and served as a strategic outpost of the Byzantine Empire because it protected a route to Constantinople. Osman I had first laid siege to Nicaea but was unable to capture the city during his reign. After years of gradual progress, Orhan finally took Nicaea and then the nearby city of Nicomedia, which reinforced the Ottoman presence in north- west Anatolia. Orhan also expanded westward, capturing Karesi and gaining access to the Dardanelles Strait. Following his expansion, Orhan oversaw a period of consolidation, strengthening his military position and planning further conquests.
SOURCE3 An image of Osman I, the Oghuz Turkish leader who founded the Ottoman Dynasty
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator