At the end of the 13th century, Anatolia was in turmoil: Seljuk authority was collapsing and dozens of Turkmen principalities (beyliks) were emerging. One of them, on the Eastern Roman frontier around Söğüt, was led by Osman Bey.
Why the Ottomans?
In its early days the Ottoman beylik was no larger than its neighbours. But it had two key advantages:
- A frontier position: Bordering the Eastern Roman Empire, it attracted warriors and adventurers looking for opportunity.
- Pragmatic rule: The Ottomans knew how to come to terms with the Christian population and local lords in the lands they took.
1299 and the Battle of Bapheus
The year 1299 is traditionally given as the founding date. Osman’s victory over Eastern Roman forces at the Battle of Bapheus in 1302 made his name known.
Bursa: the first great capital
Osman’s son Orhan captured Bursa in 1326 after a long siege and made it his capital. The tombs of Osman and Orhan can still be visited today at Tophane in Bursa.
Crossing into Europe
With the capture of Gallipoli in the 1350s, the Ottomans crossed into Europe. After Edirne (Adrianople) was taken, the state’s centre of gravity shifted to the Balkans, and Edirne became the new capital.
To see the founding era in person, head to Bursa: the tombs of Osman and Orhan, the Grand Mosque and the village of Cumalıkızık.