Ancient Civilisations The Ottoman Empire
May 22, 2025
Marc David Baer, a Professor of International History at the London School of Economics, shares captivating insights on the Ottoman Empire's rise and fall. He discusses Mehmed II's strategic siege of Constantinople and the empire's complex cultural dynamics, including the intriguing world of the harem. Baer also highlights the empire's peak under Suleiman the Magnificent, its innovative social structures, and the challenges that led to its decline. The discussion culminates in the empire's impactful role during World War I and the subsequent birth of modern Turkey.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Mehmed II's Conquest of Constantinople
- Mehmed II led the siege and conquest of Constantinople in 1453, changing history.
- This victory turned him into Mehmed the Conqueror, the New Caesar, reshaping the empire.
Origins at Empires' Border Zone
- The Ottomans began in a border zone between empires and religions, blending Muslim and Christian communities.
- Osman Ghazi led a diverse group uniting tribes beyond religious lines, laying imperial foundations.
From Nomads to Empire Builders
- The Ottomans evolved into a settled empire with a capital as they incorporated many peoples and religions.
- They combined nomadic traditions with settled urban life to expand their power.