History Of The Middle East Essay Example

The Ottoman Empire emerged between the early fourteenth century and the late sixteenth century after a series of ten successive conquests. We, therefore, seek to answer the question, 'what were the reasons behind the Ottoman Turks military success in creating a third (but non-Arab) Islamic empire re-uniting the Greater Middle-East/Gulf region?'
The Ottoman Empire emerged in the 13th century and expanded its area coverage through a series of conquests against the Christians and non-Turks minority. These successful conquests were significantly attributed to the extemporary organization of the Ottoman army.
First, the success of any military conquest depends on its organization, and taking measures to contain the conquered subjects under their control. The Ottoman army succeeded in achieving this because they allowed Christian princes to rule their state. However, this was on condition that they would accept vassalage and provide warriors and tribute to facilitate further conquest. Ottoman state and its soldiers were highly organized and controlled as compared to their European rivals.
The second reason was that the European rulers lacked unity and sometimes went to war against one another. Unity is strength. The Ottoman army took advantage of their unity and exploited the division that existed among their rivals to their benefit. In addition, the Ottoman soldiers were constantly reinforced by Ghazi warriors motivated by both the prospects of spoils and religion.
A successful conquest requires the backing of stable legal cultural and political forms. Under a canon known as the Islamic principle, these forms followed the ‘sheriat’, which was Islamic law. Military activities are resource consuming and may retard the economy where there is the inadequacy of the same. Guided by this Islamic law, possession, wealth, and the expansion of ruler’s power were channeled to the military to facilitate their expansion.
The Turks integrated with the conquered communities dissolving their tribal beliefs and embracing sultans who were masters of secular life. The Seljuk Turks accepted Islamic legal institutions, education, and religion. This enhanced unity in the Ottoman state, which was reflected in the military. In addition, education gave rise to educated elites who were able to organize strategic attacks against their rivals.
The Turks exhibited an attractive relationship with their non- Arab subjects. The most magnificent attribute of the Turkish rule was Ottoman tolerance to different religious believes. The state comprised of accumulated conquered land. Although Turkey portrayed medieval practice across the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe, the Ottoman rule promoted security and justice to its subjects. Sultan was seen as shepherds while its subjects as the flock. The Turks allowed Christian leaders of the conquered territories to continue exercising authority to their subjects as long as the contributed to the Ottoman rule.
Despite the attractive nature of the Ottoman rule, the relationship between the Turks was not perfect. Ottoman Empire was an Islamic state and gave preference to the Islamic community in many government parts. This created a feeling of alienation among the Christian and Jews who later facilitated to the fall of the Ottoman rule.
In summary, the core factor behind the success of the Ottoman conquest of third Islamic empire was facilitated by their military unity. The Ottoman army is believed to have the earliest complex military organization. Ottoman tolerance was evidenced by the existence of large Jewish and Christian communities in the conquered land. This reduced chance of revolt thus strengthened the empire and was spurred by the belief of any army that the difference between success and failure is the ability to adapt to the enemies tactics.