Big Idea Suleiman the Magnificent rules during a Golden Age. Essential Question How did Suleiman the Magnificent gain and maintain power? 1
Words To Know Sultan the leader of the Ottoman Empire, like a emperor or a king. Golden Age a period of great wealth (money), prosperity, cultural and scientific achievement in areas such as art, science, literature and math. Magnificent - very good or excellent Caliph - the successor to Muhammad as the political and religious leader of the Muslims. Let s Set The Stage Suleiman the Magnificent was the sultan of the Ottoman Empire and Caliph of Islam from 1520 to 1566. Ottoman power reached its height and became a world power under his rule. His rule represented one of the most orderly (peaceful) periods of Ottoman history. While Suleiman was known as "the Magnificent" in the West, he was known as the "The Lawgiver" to his own Ottoman subjects. He was known as The Lawgiver because of how he ruled his empire. 2
Suleiman Takes the Throne Suleiman's early career helped to prepare him for the day he would become Sultan. While still a teenager, he was appointed governor of Kaffa. As governor, he learned how politics and the law worked. Suleiman also learned about different cultures and places in the empire. In 1520, Suleiman's father died and Suleiman became the new Sultan of the Ottoman Empire at the age of 26. 3
Suleiman Expands the Ottoman Empire Upon assuming the throne, Suleiman began military campaigns to expand his empire. He dreamed of a united empire that stretched from Europe to India. Suleiman carried out several military campaigns during his 46 year rule. He moved into central Europe taking over parts of Hungary and Romania. 4
Suleiman also built up a powerful navy and took control of the Mediterranean Sea. Coins from the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent. Suleiman had many accomplishments while ruling as the Ottoman Sultan. He was an excellent leader and helped to reform (change) the Ottoman Empire s economy. 5
Suleiman reformed the law and created a single legal code that lasted over three hundred years. The laws followed in the Ottoman Empire was called Shari'ah, or Sacred Islamic Law. Shari'ah, or Sacred Islamic Law is a religious law that is part of the Islamic tradition. Suleiman Built strong fortresses to defend the places he conquered and adorned the cities with mosques, bridges, aqueducts and other public works. 6
Suleiman was a tolerant ruler. The people of the Ottoman Empire did not have to convert or believe in Islam. They were able to practice their own beliefs. Suleiman protected Jews from persecution (being treated unfairly for their beliefs). Suleiman changed the tax system, built schools and supported the arts. The time period of Suleiman's rule is known as a golden age in the culture of the Ottoman Empire. 7
Suleiman became sick and died while on campaign in Hungary on September 7, 1566. Essential Question Answered How did Suleiman the Magnificent gain and maintain power? Suleiman the Magnificent maintained power by expanding the Ottoman Empire to Northern Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Suleiman reformed the economy and law code of the Ottoman Empire. 8
Essential Question Answered How did Suleiman the Magnificent gain and maintain power? Suleiman built mosques, bridges and aqueducts. Suleiman supported education, the arts and other religions. The time period of Suleiman's rule is known as a golden age. 9