HIS204H5 Final: Ottoman Exam Review.docx
Document Summary
The origins and expansion of the ottoman state: seljuk"s were defeated by mongols and several turks migrated to anatolia, osman was a member in the many turkoman principalities. Osman apparently had a dream of future greatness: expansion was allowed due to two main reasons. Located at border within byzantine empire (opportunity to wage gaza) Weakness and civil wars in the byzantine empire and balkan states. No single power in balkans able to fight ottomans. Role of gaza: holy war for the expansion of muslim domain. It was a raiding activity against infidels (who were the byzantines) Jihad had to be defensive and have permission from caliphate whereas gaza was just to attack. Strategic location of ottoman state: because of the ottoman takeover of the dardanelles, more turkomans were able to attack and step foot into europe. They were household troops and bodyguards for the sultan.
