The Decline of the Ottoman Empire
1566 - 1918
At the beginning of this era Suleyman was the leader of the Ottomans, after his death in 1566 a new leader came around called Selim who ruled from 1566-1574. Selim I also known as known as "Selim the Sot" was an extremely weak ruler. The sale of offices and heavy taxation led to political and economic instability. The power of the Janizaries, the enemies of the Ottomans, increased. Shortly after his death in 1574, Murad III took rule. Murad III was not a good leader either. He would act very immaturely for his entertainment. Murad III had 103 children. Murad III was the son of Selim I who was also a very week leader. In 1595 Murad passed away letting a new leader take over. This new leader was Mehmed III who ruled from 1595-1603. He was a leader just like his father Murad III. After Mehmed's death in 1603, a new leader named Ahmed the first took over. Ahmed was a very good leader, but he died from typhus at the age of 27 in 1617. That same year, Mustafa the first took over till 1618. Then, after Mustafa was forced out and taken over by Osman III, in the years 1622-1623, Mustafa I took over again. Mustafa I was thought to be crazy since he was seeing visions and was forced out again by Murad IV. Murad IV ( 1623-1640) showed a sign of strength when he defeated the Persians, but he died young at 28. His brother Ibrahim (1640-1648) was chosen by his brother Murad IV to be the new leader. The Ottoman Empire was getting very week sand needed support. Mehmed IV then took over till 1687. In 1683, the Battle of Vienna, after 2 year siege, ended the Ottoman advance into Europe. After Mehmed IV was forced away in 1687, Suleyman II took over, he ruled from 1642 to 1691. After years of weak leader after week leader, the empire weakened hugely after major defeats by Russians. After years of defeat a new leader named Selim II (1789-1807) ruled. He attempted bring back the once strong empire. Many wars were fought, but the empire was still okay until 1909 when Mehmed V came into rule. His reign began on April 27, 1909 but he had no real political power. The actual decisions were made by various members of the Ottoman government. Mehmed V died on July 3, 1918 at the age of 73, only four months before the end of World War I. Therefore, he did not live to see the downfall of the Ottoman Empire.