The Rise Of The Ottoman Empire

Since 1354, the Ottoman Turks have been advancing westwards, gaining more territory over time. In 1453, the Turks seized Constantinople, granting them control of the Black Sea and the main routes to the Balkans and the eastern Adriatic. There followed a period of expansion, often attributed to the exploits of the Sultans. Additionally, this expansion was due to the Ottomans' considerable knowledge of firearms and tactics. Soon, the Persian Gulf, northwest Africa, Vienna, Serbia and Bulgaria would all be part of the Ottoman Empire. In addition to gaining large land areas of land, the Ottomans also extended heir influence at sea. The empire established a navy at the Red Sea, which "temporarily succeeded in countering Portuguese influence on spice