The Ottoman Empire lasted over six centuries. Here are its most pivotal moments.
Rise (1299–1453)
- 1299 — Osman I founds the Ottoman dynasty.
- 1453 — Mehmed II conquers Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire.
Golden Age (1453–1566)
- 1492 — Sephardic Jews welcomed after expulsion from Spain.
- 1517 — Egypt conquered; Sultan assumes title of Caliph.
- 1520–1566 — Reign of Suleiman the Magnificent; empire at greatest extent.
Decline (1566–1800)
- 1571 — Battle of Lepanto halts naval expansion.
- 1683 — Second Siege of Vienna fails; Ottoman retreat from Europe begins.
Reform and Collapse (1800–1922)
- 1839 — Tanzimat modernisation reforms begin.
- 1914–1918 — Empire fights in World War I on the losing side.
- 1922 — Sultanate abolished; Turkish Republic proclaimed in 1923.
