Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566) was the 10th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. During his reign, the Ottoman Empire became one of the largest empires in the world, boasting a powerful army and an intelligent political and economic system. Suleiman expanded the empire through successful military campaigns and territorial expansion via agreements among various peoples. He also established a robust political and economic system that allowed the empire to thrive for many years.
Suleiman’s military campaigns extended the Ottoman presence across Asia, Africa, and Europe. He is closely associated with the rise and strength of the Ottoman Empire and is considered one of Turkey’s greatest leaders due to his successful reforms in agriculture and politics. His leadership marked the Golden Age of Islam—an era characterized by mathematical, scientific, and artistic achievements that contributed to the emergence of Western civilization.
Suleiman the Magnificent.
From a young age, Suleiman began his leadership role by ruling western Turkey. After his father passed away in 1520, he became the 10th Sultan and the longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
Almost immediately after ascending to the throne, Suleiman initiated a period of territorial conquests through military might, advancing deep into Europe and invading several major cities. In 1521, he captured part of Hungary from King Louis II, and in 1526, he continued to annex other regions of the country. By 1529, the Ottomans had reached Vienna, the capital of Austria.
Suleiman also expanded into Asia with the largest and most modern navy of the time. The invasions of Asia and the Indian Ocean ignited conflicts and wars with the Portuguese. The naval battles between the Ottomans and the Portuguese (throughout the 15th and 16th centuries) are somewhat ironic, as the Portuguese attempted to avoid Ottoman forces by sending ships around the southern tip of Africa to continue their spice trade with Asia.
From the late 1520s to the 1550s, the Ottoman Empire witnessed significant advancements in politics, law, and culture, many of which remain relevant to today’s society. Some architectural reforms included public works projects such as bridges, monuments, central districts, mosques, and palaces designed in the Ottoman architectural style. Among the most important political reforms were tax reductions pursuant to Ottoman laws, including tax cuts for Jewish communities.
While Europe lagged behind, the reforms and achievements of the Ottoman Empire under Suleiman the Magnificent are known as the Golden Age of Islam. Advancements in science, mathematics, engineering, philosophy, medicine, literature, economics, and law also took place during this golden age. For instance, in 1724, it was Muslims who introduced the concept of vaccination to Europe.
