WHI-Chap18-Osman
During the Mongol invasion of Persia many Turks moved into Anatolia. Osman gained support of his people and carved a small empire in Northwestern Anatolia. In 1299 Osman declared independence from the Saljuq Turks and began a campaign of expansion. Osman's success in battle helped to raise more support for his cause. His followers became known as the Ottomans. In the 1350s the Ottoman empire expanded across the Dardanelles at Gallipoli. By 1380 the Ottomans were the strongest power on the Balkan Peninsula. However in 1402 Tamerlane interrupted the Ottoman expansion by attacking them. Tamerlane defeated the Ottoman army and occupied their empire until Tamerlane's death when the Ottoman's began to regain power.
Extent of The Ottoman Empire
By: Tommy Cowell
