
Ottomans and the European Powers
The Ottomans were a powerful empire that emerged in the late 13th century, dominating much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. They interacted significantly with European powers from the 15th to the 19th centuries, shaping trade, culture, and politics. As the Ottomans expanded, European nations like Austria, Russia, and Britain often engaged in conflict or diplomacy to control territories and trade routes. The decline of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century led to increased European influence and the eventual reshaping of the region, impacting national identities and borders that exist today.