Ottoman Empire
Public Agenda
The Ottoman empire over the past few years has shown an increased interest in the city of Constantinople.
History
The Ottoman Empire in 1444 is a regional power, in the process of securing control over Anatolia and the Balkans. In the east, the Ottomans control has been reimposed in the aftermath of the Timurid invasion, but several beyliks (smaller powers) remain independent. These Beys jockey for a position between the expanding power of the Ottomans on one side, and the Mamluk Empire of Egypt and Syria, still the strongest state in the Middle East, on the other.
In Europe, the Ottomans have defeated the Crusaders in the Battle of Varna, killing Wladyslaw, the Polish and Hungarian king. Byzantium now lies exposed and Hungary has been forced on the defensive, but with the fortress of Belgrade, still serves as a strong bulwark against further Ottoman expansion. The lesser princes in between can survive only by playing the great powers off one another. Further south, Skanderbeg leads Albania's armies in revolt against the Ottomans, supported by Venice, which still dominates the seas.
The realm ruled by the Ottoman dynasty is not yet a centralized state in 1444. The sultan's authority is enforced only by his small household of servants, recruited from slaves captured in war and from the 'devshirme', the periodic conscription of Christian youths from the Balkan countryside. These are the famous Janissaries. The Ottomans have come to power with the military backing of numerous marcher-lords, still highly autonomous on the Balkan frontier, while the administration lies in the hands of the Turkish aristocracy, literate in the ways of statecraft, but largely independent of the sultan's authority.
Demography and Population
14 million in 1444
21.4 million in 1556
21.4 million in 1556
Agriculture & Industry
The majority of the population earns a living from small family holdings growing food for themselves as well as enough to export. Nomads play an important role in the economy, providing animal products, textiles, and transportation for travelers.
Trade & Transport
In Anatolia, the Ottomans inherited a network of caravanserai from the Selçuk Turks who preceded them. The administration and tax-gathering of the empire has made them invest in ensuring the safety of couriers and convoys and of merchant caravans. The caravanserai network extends into the Balkans and provides safe lodgings for merchants and their animals.
Education
In the Ottoman Empire, each millet (local Autonomous area) has established a schooling system serving its members. Education, therefore, is largely divided on ethnic and religious lines: few non-Muslims attend schools for Muslim students and vice versa
Infrastructure
The Balkans and Anatolia are interconnected with roads and ports allowing easy transport to any corner of its realm.
Founding Date
1299
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Demonym
Ottoman
Leader
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Traditional
Currency
Lira, Ducat
Major Exports
Grain
Silk
Livestock
Greek wine
Spices
Wool
Silk
Livestock
Greek wine
Spices
Wool
Major Imports
Cotton cloth
Glassware
Manufactured goods
Glassware
Manufactured goods
Official State Religion
Official Languages
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations