The Rise, Rule, and Legacy of the Ottoman Empire

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video provides a comprehensive overview of the Ottoman Empire, tracing its rise from a small state in Anatolia to a dominant global power that bridged Europe and Asia. The narrative begins with the pivotal conquest of Constantinople in 1453, detailing how this event marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of a new era. It explores the empire's military strategies, cultural advancements in architecture and art, and its unique approach to governance through the Millet system. The content delves into key historical themes including the strategic importance of Istanbul, the empire's impact on global trade routes that spurred the European Age of Exploration, and the internal dynamics of the Islamic world. A significant portion of the video compares the Sunni Ottoman Empire with the neighboring Shia Safavid Empire, using this rivalry to explain the lasting sectarian divide in the Middle East. The video also draws parallels between this Islamic schism and the Christian Great Schism to help students make cross-cultural connections. Ideally suited for middle and high school World History curriculums, this resource helps teachers explain complex geopolitical concepts through clear maps, architectural examples, and historical comparisons. It offers opportunities to discuss religious tolerance as a political strategy, the relationship between geography and economic history, and how historical events from centuries ago continue to shape modern national borders and religious demographics today.