Many people are aware that the Ottoman Empire spanned an area of 24 million square kilometers, ruling for 600 years across three continents, making it one of the most significant empires in world history. However, one common misconception is that the Ottoman Empire reached its peak during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent and began to steadily lose territory thereafter. While it is true that Suleiman Sultan was the pasha who gained the most land for the empire, when we look at the historical process, it is evident that after his reign, during the later years and after his passing, the empire did not come to a complete standstill; rather, there was some limited progress.
Following Suleiman's passing, his son, Selim II, acquired Cyprus, and later, Crete was conquered. New centers were established along the African coast, and crucial points like Kamaniçe were captured during the reign of Mehmed IV in the 17th century. This shows that the acquisition of significant territories continued even during the period often considered as a plateau.
If we consider when the Ottoman Empire reached its zenith in terms of land area, it would be in the last quarter of the 17th century. The empire reached its widest boundaries during the reign of Mehmed IV, known by the epithet 'The Hunter'. The Buchach Treaty signed in 1672, after a war with the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, left Ukraine under Ottoman control, and the Podolia region was annexed to Ottoman territory. Additionally, several important fortresses fell under Ottoman rule. The Buchach Treaty, being the agreement that marked the empire's widest expansion, is of significant historical importance.
Although the Buchach Treaty stands out as a crucial agreement in terms of land area, the precise delineation of the Ottoman borders, particularly in the African region, remains unclear. The fact that the empire released regions it had acquired in external affairs and taxation also contributes to this ambiguity. While the exact date of the Ottoman Empire's peak territorial extent may not be definitively known, it is certain that it occurred during the reign of Mehmed IV, in the latter part of the 17th century. This period also witnessed some minor territorial gains, demonstrating the tumultuous nature of this era.
The reign of Mehmed IV, marked by the attainment of its broadest borders, followed by significant territorial losses in quick succession, makes for an intriguing period. In the late 17th century (1683), the Second Siege of Vienna took place during Mehmed IV's rule. Following its failure, Mehmed IV was deposed, and Suleiman II ascended the throne. The Ottoman Empire experienced its first territorial loss during the rule of Mehmed II, with the Karlowitz Treaty.
Some historical sources suggest that during the reign of Sultan Murad III, with the capture of Fes in 1578 and the Ferhat Pasha Treaty in 1590, the empire reached its easternmost borders, securing its northern frontiers with Poland. This era is recorded as the period when the empire encompassed 19.902 million square kilometers.
Another commonly misunderstood fact is that, after Suleiman the Magnificent, subsequent rulers did not personally lead campaigns with the army. While Selim II and the following Murad III broke with this tradition, Sultan Mehmed III restored it with the conquest of Eger. Later in the 17th century, Mehmed IV personally led the army in the capture of Kamaniçe. Contrary to popular belief, it was Sultan Mustafa II who led the last Ottoman campaign. The Battle of Zenta in 1697 took place in the final period of the 17th century.
Unlike European powers, the Ottoman Empire did not engage in efforts to impose its culture, assimilate or forcibly change the religions and cultures of the regions it conquered. Areas under Ottoman protection in foreign affairs retained the freedom to practice their own cultures and religions, only being subject to Ottoman authority in terms of taxes and military resources. Consequently, the over 20 countries and peoples who remained under Ottoman dominion for over 500 years still speak their own languages and practice their religions freely, just as their ancestors did.
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