Ben Ashby: Ottoman Reign

In the 16th-17th century the Ottoman Empire ruled the world. Its reach was far, its power incomparable. The Ottoman Empire encompassed much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, North Africa, and the Caucasus. This awe inspiring kingdom acted as the intermediate between West and East. Knowledge and wealth surged through the empire, fueling incredible construction projects and inventions. Eventually the Ottoman Empire would be outmaneuvered by the Western world and dissolved post-WW1. The impact of this ancient powerhouse remains everywhere it once ruled.

One area heavily impacted by Ottoman rule was the Balkans. Physically, war was damaged the already poor earth. Remnants of ancient glory remain in even the most modern cities. Culturally the impact was even more powerful. When the empire began to decline Balkan Muslims migrated to what little land remained. These concentrated populations of migrant Muslims were eventually subject to terrible ethnic cleansing. When the empire dissolved foreign powers took control over how populations would be broken into separate nations. The lack of careful consideration in this process would prove to be another tension in the future. The accumulation of all these historical difficulties led towards the conflicts that we have seen in more modern history.

On a positive note, the Ottoman Empire left behind beauty as well. Incredible mosques, bridges, and fountains remain. Ottoman cuisine has heavily influenced the foods served today in many Balkan nations. The blending of eastern and western cultures that occurred during Ottoman reign has created a vibrant culture unique to all other places in the world.