Foundations of Ottoman Power

This chapter examines the historical influences on the early Ottoman Empire, particularly the impact of the Mongol invasion on regional power dynamics. It narrates the story of Osman, highlighting his political acumen and the prophecy that foreshadowed the empire's rise, while contrasting Ottoman and Byzantine beliefs about destiny. Additionally, it analyzes the Ottomans' strategic expansion tactics, the demographic shifts caused by the Black Death, and key military decisions that shaped their territorial conquests in Europe.