The Ottoman Empire: a Culture Like None Other

Fratricide:  The Demise of the Ottomans

            The Ottomans had begun the tradition of killing the most able and smartest of rulers because of jealousy that the son would eventually overthrow the sultan.  The sultan would then kill off the most able and competent of his sons, making a weak line of sultans, incompetent and senile. 

            The Ottomans also were reaching the end of their militaristic expansion.  The expansion of the Ottomans had stopped, bringing a stale economy that was once spurred by expansion and tribute to the Ottomans.  

            Corruption was also taking place in the courts.  The main offices of government were no longer given to those who had the greatest talents and abilities, it went to the person who was willing to pay the most money for that specific position.

            Economic corruption, fratricide, and sinking militaristic expansion brought about the ultimate demise of the Ottomans, and the Empire declared bankruptcy in 1875, with Turkey becoming its own nation in 1923.

            The Ottomans were a powerful force in our world history.  They brought many aspects of culture and government still present in this world.  Looking at the magnificent mosques and Ottoman architecture throughout the world, it is hard to imagine the greatness of this once-powerful nation.  The Ottomans will be remembered as one of the greatest empires in this world, and should be taken as a significant contributor to our world today.