A Study of How Ottoman Empire Expanded and The Military Tactics It Used

Introduction

The Ottoman Empire began as a small tribe with ambitions to become something greater and to expand over other lands. Initially, they were nomads, but they desired more than a fleeting legacy; they wanted roots. This ambition set the stage for their transformation into a formidable empire. The turning point came when Constantinople fell, fulfilling Osman’s vision for the empire. As Finkel noted, “To them, empire began quite literally with a dream” (Finkel, 2005, p. 2). However, a prophetic dream was insufficient; many challenged the Ottomans' power and demanded proof of their lineage. Eventually, the Ottomans decided that “a fictive genealogy would best assert their legitimacy” (Finkel, 2005, p. 12). Yet, proving their ancestry was the least of their concerns; capturing land from the Byzantine Empire was their top priority.

Military Expansion and Tactics

There were a series of raids on the Byzantine Empire orchestrated by Osman himself. The Byzantine Emperor attempted to stop these raids but failed. “Before long the Byzantine Emperor dispatched an army against Osman, but Osman ambushed and destroyed it at Baphaeum (Koyunhisar), forcing the local population to flee to Nicomedia (Izmit) while the other Ottoman forces approached Brusa” (Turnbull, 2003, p. 12). These military tactics became ingrained in the Ottoman’s social order, leading to the development of the warrior aristocracy. This class, comprised of soldiers and higher-ranked military personnel, was granted special privileges for aiding the empire’s expansion efforts. “They were granted control over land and peasant producers in annexed areas for the support of their households and military retainers” (Stearns, 2011, p. 578). Like anyone who has tasted power, they sought more influence over the kingdom's governance. However, the warrior aristocracy was not the only source of power the Ottomans harnessed to rule their empire.

The Role of the Janissaries

The Janissaries, “forcibly recruited as adolescent boys in conquered areas…” (Stearns, 2011, p. 578), were another significant force within the empire. These boys were extensively educated and converted to Islam. Despite some being foreign-born, they sought to translate their “military experience into political influence” (Stearns, 2011, p. 579). The Janissaries primarily served the Ottoman sultan, but they also aspired for political influence within the empire. The Ottomans focused not only on expanding their empire but also on acquiring knowledge, trade, and faith. Having strong forces to defend an empire is important, but so is having knowledge and a legacy to follow.

Knowledge and Cultural Tolerance

Understanding subjects beyond warfare was extremely important to the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. “…Mehmed had educated himself in the Classical and Byzantine legacy to which he imagined himself heir; Bayezid sought the company of teachers of Islamic science and philosophy, poets and mystics, men whose intellectual roots lay east” (Finkel, 2005, p. 81). The empire also opened its arms to non-Islamic people, serving as a refuge for Jews fleeing persecution by the Spanish Crown. The Ottoman Empire was not only a power to be feared but also a sanctuary for those who refused to convert. “Many went to live in the Ottoman Empire, where they found Greek-speaking Jews, called Romaniotes, and German Jews, called Ashkenazim, who had also been expelled from their homelands” (Finkel, 2005, p. 88). This diverse mix of people contributed to the empire’s prosperity, as the awareness of different customs enriched their society. By tolerating other cultures, they fostered a thriving homeland.

Expansion into Western Europe

As the Ottoman Empire grew, it extended into Western Europe through conquest and immediate enforcement of their rule. They influenced many nations' trade, economy, and society. The Ottoman economy was still based on agriculture, with “the structure of land tenure lay at the heart of the Ottoman economic system” (Hanioglu, 2008, p. 20). The society was complex, housing a diverse array of ethnic and religious groups. The Ottomans not only allowed their subjects to practice their religions but also permitted them the freedom to explore others. “Thus an ethnic Albanian, for example, could belong to the Muslim, Greek Orthodox, or Roman Catholic community depending on religious affiliation” (Hanioglu, 2008, p. 24). This demonstrated that the Ottoman Turks, while strict rulers, were also cosmopolitan regarding their subjects.

Influence on Unconquered Europe

Even parts of Europe not conquered by the Ottomans felt their influence indirectly. The Ottomans controlled all ports around the Black and Mediterranean Seas, which meant they controlled the taxation of goods entering the ports. They placed restrictions on exports to discourage trade with non-approved merchants. “The domestic and international customs regime discouraged long-distance trade, including exports, while providing an incentive for local distribution” (Hanioglu, 2008, p. 20). This tactic, akin to mercantilism, signaled to Western European countries that any trade would be on Ottoman terms. This sense of control was not the only way the Ottoman Empire influenced Western Europe.

Contributions to Science and Culture

The Ottomans also contributed to the enrichment of Europe in architecture, mathematics, and science. This influence went beyond traditional understanding, offering a form of liberation. In the Balkan Peninsula, for instance, the Ottoman presence was a blessing in disguise. Peasants were given opportunities to prove themselves by joining the Ottoman military ranks. “They were protected by the new landlords and had their feudal services abolished” (Woodward, 2001). The Ottoman Empire was truly unique because it did not suppress other cultures to impose its customs; instead, it allowed them to thrive and practice their way of life.

Alliances and Wealth

While the Ottoman Empire was renowned for its military tactics both on and off the battlefield, it also had help in some of its victories. France was an ally to the Ottomans in their attempts to take the Holy Roman Empire. “It was Francis I who first encouraged them to attack the Habsburgs and allowed them free access to the ports of Marseilles and Toulon to reduce the Emperor’s power…” (Woodward, 2001). Thanks to these alliances and pillages, the Ottomans amassed great wealth, which was invested in building mosques, gardens, and centers of learning.

Conclusion

From a nomadic tribe to a formidable empire and a refuge for those facing religious persecution, the Ottoman Turks left a legacy to be remembered. Their relentless tactics in acquiring land demonstrated to European nations that they were not to be underestimated. However, they were more than a traditional empire; the sultans invested significantly in elevating their empire to greatness.

References

Finkel, C. (2005). Osman's Dream: The Story of the Ottoman Empire 1300-1923. Basic Books.

Hanioglu, M. S. (2008). A Brief History of the Late Ottoman Empire. Princeton University Press.

Stearns, P. N. (2011). World Civilizations: The Global Experience. Pearson.

Turnbull, S. (2003). The Ottoman Empire 1326–1699. Osprey Publishing.

Woodward, C. (2001). The Ottoman Empire and Early Modern Europe. Cambridge University Press.