THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE (1299–1922)

The Ottoman Empire began its rise rather inconspicuously, and in fact it took two centuries for it to establish itself as the strongest political power in the Mediterranean, posing as a military threat to its European neighbours. The Ottomans became the protectors of the holy cities of Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem, and the sultan was also a Khalifa, the leader of a Muslim state. Art was influenced by the Seljuk Empire, Central Asia (the origin of the Turkic peoples), Syria, Iraq, and northern Africa. Common materials such as copper, tin, pewter, and other alloys, especially brass, were used in crafts and metalworking. Silver and gold inlay were often used for ornamentation. Brass became a commonplace material. Precious metalwork in gold and silver was the hallmark of the ruling class; several sultans were trained goldsmiths, such as Selim I and Suleiman the Magnificent. Conquered territories such as Egypt, Syria, and the Balkan peninsula adopted the Ottoman style while preserving their regional character.

Important historical dates

1402                   Battle of Ankara between Sultan Bayezid and Timur

1453                            Constantinople conquered by Mehmed II

1514                   Battle of Chaldiran and Selim I’s defeat of the Iranian (Safavid) armies of Shah Ismail; Tabriz is conquered and pillaged, local artisans are taken captive

1516                   Selim I conquers Syria

1517                            Selim I conquers Egypt

1550–1557         Construction of Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul by court architect Mimar Sinan

1571                   Battle of Lepanto and the Holy League defeats the Ottoman armies under Selim II

1572–1577         Construction of Selimiye Mosque in Edirn by court architect Mimar Sinan

1683                   Siege of Vienna

1718–1730         The reformist Tulip Period (Lâle Devri). Growth of culture and art, which is influenced by European Baroque and Rococo (especially in architecture)

19th century       Social reforms starting with the rule of Mahmud II (1808–1839). Ottoman Turkey opens to the West and Western technology and art

1922                   Abolition of the Ottoman sultanate (JMl)