Sultans of the Ottoman Empire

The Sultans of the Ottoman Empire were powerful monarchs who ruled from 1299 to 1922, establishing an expansive empire that spanned Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. They held both political and religious authority, often claiming divine right to govern. Sultans governed through a complex administration, maintained a strong military, and influenced culture, law, and diplomacy. Their rule shaped centuries of history, leaving a legacy in art, architecture, and governance. The empire declined after World War I, leading to the establishment of modern Turkey, with the last Sultan, Mehmed VI, leaving behind a complex heritage of empire-building and cultural patronage.