Reasons for the Fall of the Ottoman Empire

Ottoman Empire was the last great Muslim Empire that lasted from the end of the 13^th Century to the start of the 20^th Century. Starting from Northwest Anatolia, the Ottoman Empire gained control of large parts of western Asia, central Europe, and North Africa at its peak. But during the 17^th Century (especially after the Battle of Vienna in 1683), the Ottoman Empire started to lose its political influence by losing its European areas one after other. 

During World War 1, the Empire sided with Germany to regain its lost areas. But the war ended with the destruction of the Ottoman Empire and the empire was replaced by the Republic of Turkey which holds the area of Anatolia only. The following are the main reasons for the decline and fall of the Ottoman Empire.

Reasons for the Fall of the Ottoman Empire

Incapable Rulers

The first ten Sultans of the Ottoman Empire (from Osman I to Suleiman I) are ranked as the best rulers of the empire. But the later rulers proved to be incompetent ones who could not retain the supremacy and influence of the Ottoman Empire. Though the political decline started later in the 17^th Century during the reign of 19^th Sultan Ahmed II, the way was paved for this decline far earlier when Ottomans started to lose battles against opponents. They were no longer feared due to these military defeats as a result of the incompetency and incapability of the later Ottoman rulers. The situation worsened miserably further over time.

Role of Janissaries (Yeniceri)

Janissary was a special infantry unit formed by the third Ottoman ruler Murad I in 1383. These were specially trained units that played important role in the initial successes of the Ottoman Empire. But gradually, this unit became undisciplined and the later incapable rulers failed to control them fully. 

Janissary played important role in decline of Ottoman

They opposed any effort of modernization in the military and even assassinate a few Sultans and Viziers for their purpose. Sultan Murad II abolished this elite unit by force in 1826. This indiscipline attitude of janissaries was an important reason for the decline and fall of the Ottoman Empire. 

Role of Suleiman the Magnificent

Suleiman the Magnificent is regarded as one of the best and the last great sultans of the Ottoman Empire. But he committed such mistakes that proved harmful to the empire later. He was under the influence of his favorite wife Hurem Sultan who was an example of a harmful women’s role in state affairs. 

Suleiman started the personal selection of public servants which was later misused by the new emperors. Suleiman initiated the custom to hear the proceedings of ‘deewan’ from the window instead of personal participation. Later, his successors completely ignored the ‘deewan’.

Assassinations of Sultan’s Brothers

The cruel custom of the assassination of brothers of the new Sultan was started by Bayazed Yaldrim and it later became part of the law in the era of Muhammad II. The purpose of this custom was to eliminate any potential rival of the Sultan for political stability. But this cruel law also deprived the empire of many capable rulers and played a part in the downfall of the Ottoman Empire.

The Cage System

The cage system was also initiated by Suleiman the Magnificent. Under this system, princes were kept in cages instead of the palace and there was no system of necessary training for these princes. It was an important reason for the emergence of incapable rulers after Suleiman which brought about the downfall of the Ottoman Empire. 

Incapable Ministers

The initial ministers of the Ottoman Empire were very wise and competent and played important role in the expansion of the empire. But later ministers were chosen basis on political influence instead of their wisdom and ability. This combination of incapable rulers and ministers played a vital role in the demise of the Ottoman Empire.

Rise of the Russian Empire

The 17^th Century was the time of declining of the Ottoman Empire and the emergence of the Russian Empire. Russian Empire became the direct rival of the Ottoman Empire and it used the slogans and emotions of (Slav) nationalism and (Christian) religion to stage war against the Ottomans. After initial losses, Russians almost always remained superior to the Ottomans and they brought the quick demise of the Ottoman Empire. 

Emergence of Russian Empire in 18th Century proved disastrous for Ottomans

Opposition to Reforms

During declining of the empire, many Sultans tried to reverse the situation through reforms. But their efforts were failed not only by Janissaries but also by common people who considered these reforms against Islam. As a result, Ottoman Empire could not reach the level of emerging European powers, which brought the downfall of the Ottoman Empire. 

Young Turks

Young Turks’ movement was reformist in Turkey but the movement was based on Turkish nationalism. This nationalistic movement also influenced other nationalistic movements in the empire. The most important one was the Arab Revolt, which emerged due to the weakening of the Muslim companionship that was replaced by Turkish nationalism.

Arab Revolt

The feelings of Arab nationalism were present in Arab areas of the Ottoman Empire at the start of the 20^th Century. These sentiments were used by the British during World War 1 and they assured their support to the Sherifite of Makkah for the establishment of a United Arab State. 

The Arabs initiated their revolt in 1916 against the Ottomans which played important role in the separation of Arab areas and the fall of the Ottoman Empire. This revolt was very important as it deprived the Ottoman Sultans of using the title of Caliphate.

Declining Military Power

During the decline of the Ottoman Empire, military power was also declining as they were far behind the technological advancements of European powers. The reforming movement was too slow and too late and this decline in military power proved to be an important reason for the fall of the Ottoman Empire.

Religious Scholars

Ulema (religious scholars) had an important role in government affairs and their decree was considered important for important issues. But several times these scholars used their influence wrongly, which proved harmful to the empire. Ulema gave their decree in favor of the assassination of Salim IV by Janissaries, the assassination of the new Sultan’s brothers, and the alcohol-drinking of Salim III. During the Turkish War of Independence, the ulema were divided between their support and opposition to Mustafa Kamal Ataturk.

Economic Condition

During their decline, Ottomans lost vast important areas which negatively impacted the economic conditions of the empire. The problem was accelerated due to continuous warfare. The declining economic situation also played important role in the decline and fall of the Ottoman Empire.

Role of Minorities

The majority population of Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, and a few other Ottoman-held areas were Christians. When Russia, Austria, and other countries used their Christian religious sentiments, they started rebellions in these areas. Several minorities also took inspiration from the nationalistic ideologies of the era. It proved decisive for the Ottomans and they failed to retain control over many areas of their empire.