OTTOMAN EMPIRE

Ottoman Empire

Ottoman Empire

Introduction

There is nothing in this world? which exists forever. Every day ends up in night and after every night the day follows. The same happened to the Ottoman Empire? as every rise has a fall? the great Ottoman Empire ended up in failure. Though the decline was not just a sudden change but it was a gradual and slow change? which was an effect of the week political and economical setup of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire was not a small empire but it existed for about 3 centuries and covered a large area under it. (McCarthy? 1997)

Analysis

An empire is a large area with different people from different cultures linked to a central power by an indirect rule. The central power exercises military or political control over them all with the establishment of distinct compacts for government for each part under the reign and exercise of power through intermediaries and keeping a single autonomy. With the great area and the social aspects? which the Ottoman Empire enhanced? was no doubt one of the best social aspects of any society. But the biggest flaw? which led to the downfall of the Ottoman Empire? was its political weakness. The inborn corrupted people played a vital role in the disintegration of the great Ottoman Empire. With all other aspects of 5the downfall of the r Ottoman Empire the political causes lead all others.

The Ottoman Empire? 1600-1923? led a large time period and in its early one and a half century it was on the top of its reign. But after the small conflicts and the trade routs conflicts the Ottoman Empire started to face an opposition which played a vital role in the down fall. Here when there was a need of more powerful leader the improper judgment of the sultan of that time led the empire to start getting into pieces. Here is when the downfall started. (Pope? 2000)

Various techniques from volunteers to conscription were used for recruitment in the Ottoman Empire. A brief description is give here. In the beginning Ottoman army was consisted only of light riders who were recruited only in times of war. Since they were recruited only in times of war? they didn't also have a uniform and wore their daily clothes. Ajemi Oghlans were the young children raised up to become either Kapikulu guards or Enderun Palace students. In earlier times? the Ajemi Oghlans were recruited from 1/5 of all captives? a system called as Penchik system. The recruits were also called as Penchik Oghlan. As the empire grew in size? this system became insufficiant in supplying recruits? and was replaced by the famous Devshirme System. According to the Devshirme System; an officer had to visit Christian villages each year? and had to collect children with the help of the local Sanjak Beghi? a "kadi" (judge) and a Christian priest. The Devshirme System was implied in a very strict manner during 14th-16th centuries; however? after 1568? this way of recruitment ...