Time period focus: 14th-15th century

Primary resource: Gold

The focus for the Ottoman Empire is on its rise from the 14th century through the reign and expansions of Sultan Mehmed II. Emerging as a dominant power, the Ottomans rapidly expanded from Anatolia into Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. A key factor in their success was their adaptability, quickly adopting new tactics, recruiting skilled individuals, and refining their military strategies. This was especially evident in their use of gunpowder, as they gathered engineers from across Europe and the Islamic world to develop massive siege cannons, including the famed Great Bombards that shattered fortress walls.

Beyond their firepower, the Ottomans excelled in battlefield logistics, ensuring well-supplied and well-equipped armies. Their forces combined fast-moving Akinji raiders, elite Janissary infantry, and devastating artillery. The tımarlı sipahis and their retainers formed the core of the army and played a decisive role in open-field battles, using feigned retreats and encirclement tactics similar to the Mongols. These heavy cavalry units, drawn from the tımar system, also served as marines in naval warfare.

Beyond their military strength, the Ottomans maintained a strong economy that fueled their campaigns. Controlling key cities along the Silk Road, they became a central link between European and Asian trade. Their silver coinage, sourced from mines in Anatolia and the Balkans, was highly valued in Europe. Other resources the Ottomans had in abundance included grain, livestock, and timber, though heavy shipbuilding would later strain the latter.