The Ottoman Empire was one of the longest-lasting and most influential Muslim empires in history, shaping the political, intellectual, and cultural landscape of the Muslim world for over six centuries.

In this 9-lesson course, you'll explore the Ottoman Empire from its origins in the late thirteenth century to its collapse after the First World War. Rather than simply following a timeline of events, you'll investigate the key developments that shaped the empire, and discover why its history continues to matter today.

Along the way, you'll explore the Ottoman Empire's place within Islamic and world history while developing the skills historians use to interpret the past through historical enquiry and source analysis. You'll examine how the empire expanded, adapted to changing circumstances, and responded to the challenges that shaped its later history.

By the end of the course, you'll have a deeper appreciation of the Ottoman legacy and reflect on the lessons its history offers for Muslims living in contemporary times.

Discover the story behind one of the greatest empires in Islamic history.

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Course Curriculum

    1. Welcome to The Ottoman Empire!

    2. Introduction

    3. From a Small Tribe to Regional Power

    4. The First Succession

    5. Quiz 1

    1. Early Expansion & The Battle of Ankara

    2. 4 Princess, 1 Throne

    3. How the Civil War Reshaped the Empire

    4. Quiz 2

    1. Why Constantinople? Why Mehmed II?

    2. Siege of Constantinople

    3. The Beginning of a New Era

    4. Quiz 3

    1. The Janissaries

    2. The Sipahi & Akinci

    3. Why was the Ottoman Army So Effective?

    4. Quiz 4

    1. The Structure of the Government

    2. The Divan & Grand Vazir

    3. The Millet System

    4. Quiz 5

    1. What Makes a Golden Age?

    2. Military Golden Age

    3. Cultural Golden Age | Some Limitations & Disputes

    4. Quiz 6

About this course

  • 8.5 hours of video content
  • New Lesson Every Saturday
  • Rayyan Courses Subscription

What will you learn in this course?

This course aims to provide the student with the following:

  • Develop a strong understanding of the Ottoman Empire as one of the most significant periods in Islamic history and its lasting impact on the Muslim world.

  • Examine key events and personalities in Ottoman history, reflecting on the lessons they offer about leadership, resilience, and unity.

  • Explore how Ottoman rulers and communities sought to uphold Islamic values while governing a vast and diverse empire.

  • Develop historical thinking skills by engaging with historical sources and second-order historical concepts to critically evaluate how our understanding of the past is formed.

  • Understand the challenges that contributed to the rise, transformation, and decline of the Ottoman Empire, and consider the lessons they offer for Muslims today.

  • Gain a deeper appreciation of the Ottoman legacy and its continued importance for understanding Muslim history and heritage.

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Instructor

Ustadh Maheer Hasan

Course Instructor

Ustadh Maheer Hasan completed a BA in History at SOAS University of London, specialising in 15th-century Ottoman political and military history. His dissertation focused on the development of Ottoman imperial identity during the 15th century. He currently works as a History teacher while completing an Alimiyyah programme and pursuing postgraduate studies. He is the founder of Ajnadayn Institute, where he also serves as Academic Director.

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