Osman Gazi, the founder and first Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, was born in 1258 in Söğüt, as the son of Ertuğrul Gazi and Hayma (Haime) Hatun. He belonged to the Kayı tribe, a branch of the Oghuz Turks. While historical sources from his time are limited, it is widely accepted that Osman Gazi assumed power through a selection process after his father's death.
He married Mal Hatun, the daughter of Sheikh Edebali, in 1281, and their union gave birth to his successor, Orhan Gazi. Various accounts differ on Osman Gazi's early struggles, including conflicts with his uncle Dündar for the throne. Some historians even suggest that such conflicts might not have occurred.
Another narrative highlights Osman Gazi's military campaigns against Byzantine officials in the region. Young warriors rallied around him, and he gained recognition as a leader. The Byzantine officials eventually complained about Osman Gazi to the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan III. Alaaddin Keykubat. Hacı Bektaş Veli was sent to assess Osman Gazi, and upon being impressed, he wrote a letter praising Osman Gazi to Sultan Keykubat. As a result, Keykubat rewarded Osman Gazi by appointing him as a frontier lord.
In many sources, it's stated that Osman Gazi engaged in a struggle for leadership with his uncle Gündüz Alp, and Osman Gazi is credited with Gündüz Alp's demise through a skilled arrow shot. However, some accounts suggest that Gündüz Alp died in the Battle of Domaniç.
The widely accepted view is that Osman Gazi, after his father's death, assumed leadership through a selection process and subsequently declared his independence from the Seljuks (1299). The Ottoman Beylik began to take shape as a refuge for Turkmen fleeing Mongol oppression.
From 1280 to 1300, Osman Gazi engaged in conflicts with the Byzantines and local lords in the İznik, Sakarya, Bursa, and Bilecik regions. His victories led to the conquest of Bilecik, İnegöl, and Yenişehir, which he transformed into military strongholds. The Ahi Brotherhood provided significant moral support during Osman Gazi's campaigns, further boosting his motivation.
In 1283, despite losing the Battle of Ermenibeli against the İnegöl Tekfur Nikola, Osman Gazi later regained momentum. The Ermenibeli Battle resulted in the death of his nephew, Bayhoca. In 1284, Osman Gazi intensified his raids, culminating in the capture of Kulaca Hisar near İnegöl through a successful night raid.
In 1286, Osman Gazi faced combined forces of the Karacahisar and Yenice lords. He emerged victorious in the Battle of Domaniç, and as a consequence, Karacahisar fell under his control.
Harmankaya Tekfur Köse Mihal, initially captured by Osman Gazi, later converted to Islam, taking the name Mihal Gazi, and became Osman Gazi's trusted companion. With Köse Mihal's inclusion, Osman Gazi's forces grew stronger, and they launched incursions into the Sakarya Valley.
Osman Gazi was further consolidating his power in the region. The Tekfurs of Bilecik and Yarhisar, feeling threatened by Osman Gazi's incursions, conspired to eliminate him. They invited him to a wedding with the intention of ambushing him. However, Harmankaya Tekfur Mihal Gazi learned of this plan, allowing Osman Gazi to turn the tables. He cleverly placed disguised soldiers in Bilecik Castle, a practice that went unnoticed due to the customary arrangement for women and belongings during such gatherings.
During the wedding, Osman Gazi intercepted the Yarhisar Tekfur, and while the Tekfur was killed, his daughter, Holofira, fell into Turkish hands. Osman Gazi later arranged her marriage to his son Orhan Gazi. Holofira, after converting to Islam, took the name Nilüfer Hatun.
Simultaneously, the infiltrated warriors in Bilecik Castle revealed themselves, and the castle was swiftly captured. Yarhisar Castle, now leaderless, came under the rule of the Ottoman Beylik. Meanwhile, Turgut Alp captured İnegöl Castle. All of these conquests took place between 1298-1299.
Osman Gazi moved the center of his Beylik to Yenişehir and set his sights on Nicaea (İznik), a city revered by Christians and of great significance. Employing a tactic called "aman," Osman Gazi surrounded Nicaea with makeshift fortifications, expecting the city to eventually surrender after prolonged siege. The Byzantine Emperor IX. Palaiologos, recognizing the danger, dispatched an army of approximately 2,000 Alan mercenaries by sea from Yalova to lift the siege of Nicaea.
The clash, known as the Battle of Koyunhisar, resulted in the Ottoman forces defeating the organized Byzantine army (1302) and dispersing them into the sea at Koyunhisar. It's noted that Osman Gazi's nephew, Aydoğdu, was martyred in this battle.
Following this victory, Osman Gazi continued his campaigns without pause, engaging his warriors in border skirmishes. Between 1313-1315, they captured fortresses in the Sakarya region. In 1315, he besieged Bursa, but fell ill. He appointed his son Orhan as regent in his stead.
Osman Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, passed away shortly before the conquest of Bursa. In accordance with his will, his remains were brought to Bursa and interred in the Gümüşlü Tomb in the Tophane district. He is believed to have died in either 1324 or 1326.
His current tomb was constructed in 1863 by Sultan Abdülaziz. The first coin bearing Osman Gazi's name was minted in 1324.
Osman Gazi's title of "Gazi" signifies a warrior for the cause of Allah, a title shared only by his son Orhan among the Ottoman Sultans. His nickname "Kara Osman" stems from his dark complexion, featuring dark hair and eyes. Despite winning numerous battles and acquiring spoils of war, no significant wealth was found upon his death.
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