Reasons for the Fall of the Ottoman Empire

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

 During World War 1, the empire sided with Germany to regain its lost areas. However, the war ended with the destruction of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, which only holds the Anatolia region. The following are the main reasons behind 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. However, the later rulers proved incompetent and could not retain the supremacy and influence of the Ottoman Empire. Though the political decline started later in the 17th Century during the reign of 19th Sultan Ahmed II, the way was paved for this decline far earlier when Ottomans started losing battles against opponents. Their neighboring states became fearless due to these military defeats, brought by the incompetency and incapability of the later Ottoman rulers. The situation worsened miserably further over time.

Role of Janissaries (Yeniceri)

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

They opposed any effort of modernization in the military and even assassinated 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 a significant reason for the decline and fall of the Ottoman Empire. 

Role of Suleiman the Magnificent

Suleiman the Magnificent is known 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 of hearing the proceedings of ‘deewan’ from the window instead of personal participation. Later, his successors ignored the ‘deewan’ completely.

Assassinations of Sultan’s Brothers

Bayazed Yaldrim initiated the cruel custom of the assassination of the brothers of the new Sultan, and it later became part of the law in the era of Muhammad II. Its purpose was to eliminate any potential rival of the Sultan for political stability. Nevertheless, 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 one of the wrong customs 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 them. It was a chief 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 a chief role in expanding the empire. However, the basis for choosing later ministers was 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 17th Century was the time of declining of the Ottoman Empire and the emergence of the Russian Empire. Soon, it became the direct rival of the Ottoman Empire. The Russian Empire 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. 
Coat of arms of Russian 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, the 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 a reformist one 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 Brotherhood and the appearance of Turkish nationalism.

Arab Revolt

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

The Arabs initiated their armed struggle in 1916 against the Ottomans. It resulted in the separation of Arab areas and weakened the Ottoman Empire. Losing holy places also 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 a supreme role in government affairs, and their decree was considered significant for vital state issues. However, their influence did more harm than good on several occasions. 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 scholars were divided between their support and opposition to Mustafa Kamal Ataturk.

Economic Condition

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

Role of Minorities

The majority population in 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.

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