Fall of the Ottoman Empire Essay Example

the Middle East, Southern Europe, and Egypt. Embracing Islamic beliefs, the empire welcomed individuals of various religions. After triumphing over the Byzantine Empire, they renamed Constantinople to Istanbul and made it their capital in the Eastern Mediterranean. Their armed forces included converted Christians and skilled slaves. The Ottomans achieved remarkable achievements in expanding and enhancing their empire.

The decline of the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century can be attributed to various factors, but one of the main reasons is that all empires have a limited lifespan and eventually reach a point where they can no longer expand. The end of expansion marked the beginning of decline for the Ottoman Empire, which saw expansion not only as territorial conquest but also as an important aspect of their culture and identity, giving them energy and purpose. However, as the empire grew larger and more established, there was a shift in mentality among the Turks when the sultan retreated to his palace in Istanbul. This caused a change in character for the empire and a different worldview for the Turks.

2) During Ottoman rule, the Ottoman Empire's capacity to keep up with technological progress diminished. The Industrial Revolution worsened this problem by introducing significant changes that posed challenges to the empire's ill-equipped social structure and insufficient resources for industrialization. Moreover, during that period, the state neglected to incorporate communication technology into its infrastructure. As communication improved, people residing along trade routes relocated to urban regions, resulting in concentrated populations experiencing fierce economic competition and difficulties that put their resilience and adaptability to the test.

Despite having abundant natural resources, Ottoman Turkey encountered challenges in

developing a robust industrial sector due to social pressures. The absence of universities and technical schools impeded the acquisition of necessary skills and theoretical knowledge for an industrial revolution and modern economy. Additionally, the Muslim prohibition on interest prevented the establishment of banks. As a result, the Empire had to rely on purchasing Turkish guns, ships, and railroads from France, Germany, and Britain as these countries competed for profitable trade opportunities. However, this reliance on foreign purchases depleted the resources of the Ottoman Empire and ultimately led to its bankruptcy. Consequently, unfavorable terms had to be negotiated with European creditors.

The decline of the Ottoman empire is commonly linked to its economic structure's failure. The empire adhered to certain principles, including expansionism, which entailed engaging in holy war against non-Muslims at the borders, and absolutism, which meant being governed by an imperial dynasty and a well-established court system.

The Shariah, also referred to as the Muslim law system, encompasses all aspects of sacred law and is derived from the Quran and sunnah. It incorporates a precise, efficient, and adaptable taxation system that differs based on the customs and characteristics of each region and population. Society can be classified into two distinct groups: those who are governed (raya) and those who govern (askeris).

Initially, the Ottoman state focused on agriculture and public investment in vakifs institutions. However, as the economy developed, the state became disconnected from its citizens and started depending on their cooperation for services like inns, hospitals, and libraries. Regrettably, the Ottomans did not adjust their system to match the industrialization happening in Western countries.

During the 19th century,

there was a lack of modern taxation and utility investments specifically designed to meet the current needs. This loss of income can be attributed to changes in trade routes, which affected the main source of revenue for the Ottoman Empire. Additionally, the empire's failure to industrialize and heavy dependence on farmers for tax revenues were also contributing factors to its decline. In comparison, the economy of the Ottoman state was considerably weaker than that of its counterparts, further indicating the declining state of the empire. The dynamics of trade heavily relied on non-state actors such as Greeks and Jews who emerged as primary traders as early as the 1470s instead of Ottomans.

The primary focus of the Ottoman state was to establish public order, which involved safeguarding the Greek elite in order to sustain a functioning economy. Nevertheless, social turmoil frequently erupted within the Greek community, causing a decline in Ottoman control and attributing economic difficulties to their rule. Despite suggesting an independent nation as a resolution, the Greek elite continued to exert dominance over the economy even following the Greek revolution by altering trade routes.

Government corruption is to blame for the decline of the Ottoman Empire in the early 1800s. The Sultans, who held absolute power and were responsible for maintaining order, had immense influence. Rather than appointing qualified individuals, they gave positions like tax collecting to those who could afford it. As a result, corruption thrived as Viziers – government officials – were chosen based on manipulation and personal connections rather than their competence.

The city and province Viziers were in charge of managing their respective affairs. However, the

problem arose when these positions were given based on candidates' financial contributions instead of their qualifications and experience. As a result, the appointed Viziers lacked the necessary skills to effectively carry out their duties. Observing how the Sultans prioritized making quick money by selling to the highest bidder, these Viziers began adopting a similar approach. Consequently, tax collectors who had acquired their positions through bribery now had the authority to determine the amount of taxes imposed on people. The main focus of these Viziers shifted towards recovering the wealth they had invested in buying their positions.

The Viziers, who had bought their positions with a significant amount of money, regained their wealth by extorting large sums from the people they ruled over. The peasants, already the poorest group, were particularly affected by excessive taxation and extortion, leading to extreme poverty and suffering. The corruption within the government turned it into a self-serving entity rather than an effective governing body. The Sultans played a crucial role in initiating this corruption at the highest levels, which then spread throughout the administrative hierarchy. As a result of inefficient administration, the Empire grew weaker. This corruption led to a general decline and chaos within the Government, ultimately impacting the entire Empire.

During the 16th to the 18th centuries, the Ottoman Empire had a consistent and balanced relationship with Western countries. This was because of trade and trade routes passing through the empire en route to Asia. European nations had been interested in exploring Asia since the 15th century, which led them to embark on voyages during the 16th century. These explorers, particularly those seeking valuable goods from

China, established trade connections with Asia. The demand for Asian products in Europe was high, resulting in regular trade between these regions. During that time, land travel was the primary method of trading, and the route between Europe and Asia went directly through the Ottoman Empire. Europeans also engaged in commerce with the Ottomans and acquired items like gunpowder from them. As a result, there were frequent interactions between Western countries and the Ottoman Empire.

During the 16th to the 18th centuries, the Ottomans formed alliances with other major powers to maintain contact with the West. However, their profits from trading with Europeans and taxing them started declining in the late 17th and 18th centuries due to the signing of Capitulations in 1699. These Capitulations granted Europeans the privilege of trading freely in the Ottoman Empire without paying taxes or being subject to its laws. Consequently, this decline resulted in a decrease in Ottoman revenue and a deterioration of their previously peaceful and tolerant relations with Western powers. Nevertheless, trading and trade routes between the Ottomans and Western powers continued to closely connect them throughout this time period.

6) The decline in the military power of the Ottoman Empire can be attributed to the waning loyalty of a highly respected military group called the Janissaries. This group, which consisted of around 15,000 to 20,000 individuals, gradually gained significant privileges. Despite serving and protecting the Ottoman Empire, they were not originally of Ottoman descent but rather Europeans who were trained to be loyal to the Empire. Chosen from rural families in Europe who followed Christianity, these Janissaries typically ranged in age from 8 to

16. They would then be taken to Istanbul, the capital city of the Empire, where they underwent conversion into Islam.

The Janissaries, who were loyal slaves specialized in gunpowder weapons, played a crucial role in strengthening and unifying the military system. However, their division emerged in the mid-1600s and gradually undermined the system, ultimately leading to its dismantlement. This division persisted for more than a century, creating conflicts between the old and young Janissaries as well as between reformers and anti-reformers.

The Sultans faced resistance from the Janissaries, who were unwilling to lose or decrease their privileges while trying to implement reforms. This led to severe military weakness and chaos within the military system of the Empire. Consequently, between 1622 and 1783, there were at least 12 rebellions by the Janissaries. By the early 1800s, the Ottoman Empire had completely lost control over them, making the situation worse. In acknowledgment of their failure to resolve this issue, the Sultans abolished the Janissaries in 1826.

The Ottoman Empire experienced internal disarray and unsuccessful military reforms, leading to a decrease in loyalty among the Janissaries. These issues weakened the Empire's military capabilities, which were essential for its stability and also opened up opportunities for external conflicts. In addition, the decline in the Ottoman Empire's military power was worsened by wars with other influential Empires, such as the Russo-Turkish War from 1806 to 1812. During this period, Russia and the Ottoman Empire, being neighboring countries, engaged in several wars.

During the war, the British and Russians joined forces as allies. The British provided support to Russia by sending their own military troops. In 1807,

Admiral Duckworth led the British naval squadron through the Dardanelles, which posed a threat to Istanbul. This city is situated between Europe and Asiatic Turkey. France, being an ally of the Ottoman Empire, came to their aid with assistance from French Ambassador Sebastiani. France played a crucial role in rebuilding and strengthening Istanbul's fortifications in order to provide better protection for the Ottoman Empire.

The French assisted in the reconstruction efforts and compelled the British admiral to retreat from the war. However, this setback for the Ottoman Empire was temporary as Napoleon later chose to conclude France's conflict with England and terminate their alliance with the Ottomans. In July, Napoleon struck a deal with Russia's autocratic ruler, the Czar, during a meeting in Tilsit, a Russian city, and abandoned Turkey in order to end the war against England. Both France and Russia exploited the vulnerable Ottoman Empire without allies by swiftly devising plans to divide its European region. Consequently, Russia gained control over Eastern Balkan provinces while France asserted dominance over the Western Balkans. Additionally, Austria obtained portions of Bosnia and Serbia. The Ottomans further weakened their borders and control over various regions by engaging in conflicts with other empires. Losing France as an ally had devastating repercussions for them as they were left without any allies.

The Ottoman Empire, facing wars and internal conflicts, experienced a decrease in size and revealed its weakness to Europeans. These external attacks and internal liberation wars led to the loss of land and a shrinking Empire. In 1839, the Ottomans clashed with Muhammad Ali, resulting in Egypt's separation from the Empire. Additionally, regions along the borders

gradually broke away due to military decline.

The decline of the Ottoman Empire was caused by internal and external factors, which weakened its foundation and military, rendering it vulnerable to other Empires. Moreover, the Empire's lack of progress highlighted its disparities with the West, fostering animosity and defeat against European Empires. Tense relations with Europe resulted in the loss of allies and isolation. Ultimately, this decline led to the emancipation of nations within the Ottoman Empire, shaping today's map as numerous countries were established or freed directly due to this downfall.

Historians have long been fascinated by the decline of the Ottoman Turks Empire and its efforts to salvage itself. This decline, which started in the late 19th century, was caused by internal political and social conflicts, as well as economic challenges. The empire's inability to modernize led European powers to perceive the Ottoman rulers as ineffective leaders. The empire faced uprisings from its citizens, corruption among administrators, economic difficulties, and military deterioration. Consequently, it became known as "the sick man of Europe."