Selim I took the title 'Servant of the Two Holy Shrines' from the Mamluks in 1517. This title was a key source of religious legitimacy for the Ottoman Sultans until 1924.
1342
The 'Revolt of the Sipahis' in the 17th century was usually caused by:
Economic instability led the state to debase its silver coins. When soldiers were paid in 'worthless' currency, they frequently rioted in Istanbul, demanding the heads of corrupt officials.
1343
Which Ottoman Sultan's reign saw the first Ottoman constitution (Kanun-i Esasi) in 1876?
Abdulhamid II was placed on the throne by the Young Ottomans on the condition that he promulgate a constitution, making the Ottoman Empire a constitutional monarchy for the first time.
1344
The 'Turkish War of Independence' was fought primarily against whom after WWI?
Following the occupation of Izmir by Greece and the Partition of the Ottoman Empire, Turkish nationalists led by Ataturk fought to drive out foreign forces and establish a new nation-state.
1345
Who was the last Ottoman Sultan to reign with absolute power before the 1908 revolution?
Abdulhamid II ruled with an iron fist for 33 years, suppressing the constitution and building a vast network of spies to maintain control over the fragmenting empire.
1346
The 'Sanjak-i Sherif' (Standard of the Prophet) was used during war to:
The holy banner was only unfurled during major campaigns or crises. Its presence was meant to rally the Muslim population and soldiers to the defense of the state and faith.
1347
Which Sultan was the son of a Byzantine princess and expanded the empire into the Balkans in the 14th century?
Orhan Gazi's marriage to Theodora, daughter of Byzantine Emperor John VI Kantakouzenos, allowed the Ottomans to intervene in Byzantine politics and cross the Dardanelles into Europe.
Selim III's Nizam-i Djedid was the first serious attempt to create a modern army trained by Europeans and armed with modern weapons to replace the obsolete Janissaries.
1349
The 'Ottoman-Safavid War' of 1623–1639 ended with which treaty?
The Treaty of Zuhab established the border between the Ottoman and Safavid empires, which remains largely the same as the modern border between Turkey and Iran today.
1350
Which Ottoman Sultan was known for his love of the arts and was a skilled calligrapher himself?
Many Ottoman Sultans were highly educated in the arts. Bayezid II, Ahmed III, and Mahmud II were all known for their skill in calligraphy and their patronage of music and literature.
