Final answer:
The Ottoman Empire expanded via conquests that incorporated new territories, people, and wealth. Expansions were carried out in southeastern Europe, Syria, Palestine, and North Africa. The empire also focused on internal modernization and reforms, despite facing decline after Sultan Suleiman I's rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ottoman Empire had been expanding since its founding with conquest serving as a major method to bring new wealth and new people into the empire. The state, established by Osman and his son Orhan, expanded into southeastern Europe and later encompassed Syria, Palestine, and North Africa. This was facilitated by Ottoman military, which was the most technologically advanced in the Mediterranean world.
Under the reign of Sultan Suleiman I, expeditions were led to Serbia and Hungary and the empire threatened the gates of Vienna. Moreover, Ottoman rulers aimed to make their control over their core territory more efficient by learning from local systems in Europe and Mughal India. This resulted in internal improvements and modernization that helped the empire survive till the twentieth century.
The period post-Suleiman's rule has often been termed as the phase of slow decline that started with the loss at the battle of Lepanto. Nonetheless, the empire's influence lasted for approximately 700 years, with Istanbul becoming a major hub for trade between the Silk Roads and Europe. The empire was defined by its diversity and its strategic position between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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