Ottoman Sultanate: Era, Founder, and List of All Sultans

The Ottoman Sultanate was a long-lasting Muslim rule that shaped the history of Asia, Europe, and Africa for more than 600 years.
This easy knowledge-base article explains what the Ottoman Sultanate was, who started it, its era, and the names of all Ottoman Sultans—in plain, friendly language for non-technical readers.

What Is the Ottoman Sultanate?

The Ottoman Sultanate was the ruling system of the Ottoman Empire.

• It was ruled by Sultans (emperors and leaders)

• Based on Islamic law, justice, and administration

• Known for strong governance, culture, and tolerance

• Lasted from 1299 to 1922

Who Started the Ottoman Sultanate?

The Ottoman Sultanate was founded by:

• Osman I (also called Usman Ghazi)

• Son of Ertugrul Ghazi

• Started as a small border state in Söğüt (Anatolia)

? The state was named “Ottoman” from Osman (Arabic: Usman).

Ottoman Sultanate Era (Time Period)

The Ottoman Sultanate is divided into main phases:

1. Foundation Period (1299–1453)

• Small frontier state

• Expansion in Anatolia and Balkans

2. Rise & Golden Age (1453–1566)

• Capture of Constantinople (Istanbul)

• Strong military, law, and economy

3. Stagnation & Decline (1566–1922)

• Internal issues and European pressure

• Sultanate officially ended in 1922

Names of All Ottoman Sultans (Complete List)

Early & Rise Period

1. Osman I

2. Orhan Gazi

3. Murad I

4. Bayezid I

5. Mehmed I

6. Murad II

Golden Age

7. Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror)

8. Bayezid II

9. Selim I

10. Suleiman I (Suleiman the Magnificent)

Middle Period

11. Selim II

12. Murad III

13. Mehmed III

14. Ahmed I

15. Mustafa I

16. Osman II

17. Murad IV

18. Ibrahim

19. Mehmed IV

Late Period

20. Suleiman II

21. Ahmed II

22. Mustafa II

23. Ahmed III

24. Mahmud I

25. Osman III

26. Mustafa III

27. Abdul Hamid I

28. Selim III

29. Mustafa IV

30. Mahmud II

Final Sultans

31. Abdulmejid I

32. Abdulaziz

33. Murad V

34. Abdul Hamid II

35. Mehmed V

36. Mehmed VI (Last Ottoman Sultan)

Why People Search About the Ottoman Sultanate

People usually look for this topic when they:

• Study Islamic or world history

• Watch historical dramas

• Prepare school projects

• Want to understand Muslim governance

• Learn about Turkey’s past

Simple Timeline (Step-by-Step)

1. Osman I forms a small state (1299)

2. Ottomans expand into Europe

3. Istanbul is captured (1453)

4. Empire reaches peak power

5. Gradual decline begins

6. Sultanate ends (1922)

Example Explanation (Text-Based)

Think of the Ottoman Sultanate like a family leadership system:

• Power passed from father to son

• Each Sultan ruled for a different time

• Some expanded the empire, others struggled

Common Problems & Easy Fixes

• “Ottam” vs “Ottoman”: Correct word is Ottoman

• Confusing Sultans: Remember them by era

• TV shows vs history: Shows are dramatized

✔ Fix: Read simple summaries and timelines.

Important Notes

• Some dates differ slightly by source

• Not all Sultans were equally powerful

• Respect cultural and religious sensitivity

Best Practices for Learning Ottoman History

• Start with Osman I and Suleiman I

• Learn by time periods, not all at once

• Use maps and timelines

• Separate facts from entertainment

Conclusion

The Ottoman Sultanate began with Osman I and ended after Mehmed VI, lasting over six centuries. It played a major role in shaping Islamic civilization, global trade, and modern history. Understanding it helps us see how leadership, law, and values influence nations.