Osmanlıca (Ottoman Turkish)

Ottoman Turkish, or Osmanlıca, is the historical language of the Ottoman Empire, blending Arabic, Persian, and Turkish elements. It uses an Arabic-based script and features complex vocabulary and grammar distinct from modern Turkish. Once the administrative, literary, and religious language of the empire, it was primarily written and understood by educated elites. After the Turkish language reform in the early 20th century, Osmanlıca fell out of everyday use and was replaced by modern Turkish. Today, it is studied mainly by scholars of Ottoman history, literature, and calligraphy, offering insights into the empire’s culture and heritage.