How did the Ottomans conquer the Balkans and Asia Minor? - History of the Ottoman Empire (1299-1400)

The first paragraph introduces the Ottoman Empire, one of history's most enduring and influential empires, also known as the Turkish Empire. It highlights the empire's territorial control over Europe, Asia, and Africa for over six centuries. The rise of the Ottomans is attributed to their strategic exploitation of weaker neighbors and the mistakes of Christian powers, including the Byzantine Empire. The paragraph sets the stage for a historical series that will cover every 100 years of the empire's existence. It also mentions a sponsorship by Curiosity Stream, an educational streaming service, and recommends a documentary series titled 'Holy War' for further insights into the conflicts between East and West. The foundation of the empire is traced back to Osman I, a Muslim leader from Anatolia, who declared himself Sultan and began expanding his territory, taking advantage of the disintegration of the Seljuq Dynasty. The paragraph concludes with the establishment of Bursa as the new capital in 1326 and the transition of power to Osman's son, Orhan, who introduced a new military strategy involving a paid and trained infantry.

The second paragraph delves into the expansion of the Ottoman Empire under the rule of Orhan and his successors. It discusses the creation of the Janissaries, a standing army composed of Christian-born children converted to Islam and trained as infantry, marking the first modern standing army in Europe. The Janissaries were known for their loyalty to the Sultan, enforced through strict policies such as the prohibition of marriage. The paragraph also covers the strategic captures of various territories, including iznik, Ismet, and Uskadar, and the alliance with the Byzantine Emperor John VI Cantacuzenus, which allowed for raids in Thrace. The expansion efforts continued with the capture of Gallipoli in 1354 and the subsequent influx of Turks wishing to join the Ottoman forces. The narrative moves to the reign of Murad I, who continued the conquest of Thrace, notably seizing Adrianople as the new capital. The paragraph concludes with the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, where the Ottomans, despite heavy losses, emerged victorious and expanded their influence over Serbia.

The third paragraph outlines the consolidation and continued growth of the Ottoman Empire under Bayezid I, following the death of Murad I. It describes how the empire had to deal with internal issues and external threats, particularly from the Principality of Karamans. Bayezid I made peace with the Karamans and proceeded to capture Bulgaria and plan the siege of Constantinople. The paragraph also recounts the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396, where the Ottomans defeated a Crusader army composed of Hungarians, Germans, French, and other Christian allies. This victory significantly boosted the empire's power and influence. Despite the agreed peace treaty, Bayezid I annexed Carmania in 1397, extending the empire's reach across the Balkans and into Asia. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the empire's growth and prosperity during the period from 1300 to 1400, setting the stage for its future expansion.