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The Middle East

Different Cultures, Leaders, and Empires

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A Turkish State

      • Occupied land between the Byzantine Empire and the Muslims
      • Strong leader emerged to unite Turks into an immense empire.
      • Anatolain Turks saw themselves as Ghazis ~ warriors for Islam.
      • Formed military societies:
        • Emir- chief commander
        • Followed strict Islamic code of conduct
        • Raided territories of infidels- people who did not believe in Islam.

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Sultan Mehmed II Conquers

      • Achieved most dramatic feat in Ottoman history
      • Launched an attack to take Constantinople in 1453.
      • Turkish forces began invading city walls.
      • Attacked from land and sea. City held out for 7 weeks but Turks finally entered.
      • Mehmed opened the city to Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Turks.
      • Rebuilt the city- now called Istanbul

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The Ottoman Empire

      • Devshirme System
      • Sultan’s army drafted boys from peoples of conquered Christian territories.
      • Army educated them, converted them to Islam, and trained them as soldiers.
      • Janissaries – 30,000 soldiers trained to be loyal to the Sultan only.

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Conquering Ottoman Persia

      • 1499 a 12 year old named Isma’il began to seize Iran.
      • At age 14 he completed the task.
      • Took ancient Persian title of Shah ~ king
      • Established Shi’a Islam as state religion
      • Became a religious tyrant
      • Anyone who did not convert was put to death
      • Destroyed Sunni population of Ottomans

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The Ottomans React

      • Ottomans ordered murder of Shi’as in Ottoman Empire
      • Battle of Chaldiran 1514 ~ Ottomans defeat Safavids.
      • Set the border between Iran and Iraq.

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