Home / IBDP History: History of Africa and the Middle East-The Ottomans (1281–1566)-HL option 1 -Paper 3

IBDP History: History of Africa and the Middle East-The Ottomans (1281–1566)-HL option 1 -Paper 3

Question

Examine the reasons for the rise of the Ottomans before 1453.

Answer/Explanation

Ans:

Candidates must offer a consideration of the various reasons for the rise of the Ottomans prior to 1453. They may rank or group these reasons according to their own criteria; however they should not simply list them.

Indicative content
• The rise of the Ottomans was due to a combination of their own strengths, good leadership, the weakness and disunity of their opponents and some good fortune.
• The collapse of the Seljuks ended centralized government in Anatolia and allowed several small states to emerge. The leader of one of these states, Osman, proved to be an effective political and military leader who controlled a territory with good agricultural land, as well as prosperous towns and trade routes.
• In addition Osman had a reputation for leading successful raids on neighbouring states. This attracted more settlers, commerce and warriors. He was able to expand his army as a result of the increased wealth and population.
• The weakness of the Balkan rulers made the area a target for expansion and Osman and his successors successfully conquered the region in the 14th century. They expanded the army further and developed the janissary corps as a military elite that was superior to their adversaries. The increased population and revenue of the Ottomans also increased their strength dramatically.
• The skill of Ottoman leaders in the 14th and 15th centuries was another key element in their success.
• The Ottomans also gained valuable support from the Genoese who wished to expand their trade in the area.
• The Ottomans were fortunate that their defeat by Timur-I-Lang (Tamerlane) did not cripple them as he died shortly after taking much of their territory and they were able to recover it in a short time.
• Ottoman military skill and their willingness to innovate and adopt new technology such as artillery and firearms gave them an advantage over their opponents who were not as quick to adjust to new ideas.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

Question

Evaluate the cultural contributions made to the Islamic world by the Ottoman Empire.

Answer/Explanation

Ans:

Candidates must make an appraisal of the cultural impact of the Ottoman Empire on the Islamic world. Description of the contributions should be avoided and there should be a clear judgment on their individual and collective impact.

Indicative content
• In terms of architecture, the Ottomans introduced a distinctive style for mosques and built many examples.
• The Arabic language was promoted as the language of government and scholarship.
• The rebuilding of Constantinople after 1453 was a major contribution in the form of new palaces and mosques that incorporated a variety of styles.
• Other cultural contributions included the encouragement of Persian language poetry and considerable support for Sufism as well as many aspects of Jewish culture after 1492.
• It is likely, although not inevitable, that many candidates will conclude that the Ottomans did not bring about a revolution in culture in the Islamic world and that the changes were relatively minor in most areas.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

Question

Evaluate the impact on the Ottoman Empire of contest [competition] with the Safavids.

Answer/Explanation

Ans:

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of competition between the Ottomans and Safavids on the Ottoman Empire. They may note the impact of military conflict, including Ottoman victory in the Battle of Chaldiran, through which the Ottomans secured their eastern frontier and brought thousands of captured Persians to Istanbul. Many of these prisoners were skilled craftsmen and intellectuals, and contributed to the cultural enrichment of the empire. The protracted series of wars fought between 1532 and 1555 were costlier and more damaging, even though the outcome was some territorial gains and the consolidation of Sunni power in Anatolia. Candidates may also note the significance of economic competition, which became more pronounced with the decline of trade along the Silk Road and growing rivalry in the carpet industry.

Question

To what extent did the fall of Constantinople (1453) transform the Ottoman state?

Answer/Explanation

Ans:

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the view that the fall of Constantinople transformed the Ottoman state. They may argue that the fall of Constantinople was of major significance to the Ottomans, as the strategic importance of the city instantly transformed the Ottoman state into a major regional power. From their new capital, they could control the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, Anatolia and the Balkans. The development of Istanbul as a port and commercial city led to greater interaction with the wider Mediterranean region. This interaction included trade with the Italian city states, the result of which was the burgeoning prosperity of the empire. Alternatively, candidates may argue that the transformation of the state itself was more limited, with the Ottomans failing to adopt any administrative practices from the Byzantines, preferring to derive their cultural influences from the Seljuk Turks.

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