The Positive Effects of European Privileges with the Ottoman Empire in the Sixteenth Century

Abstract

 The Ottoman Empire reached its peak of political and military power in the sixteenth century, where it controlled territories across Asia, Africa, and Europe, encompassing different races, ethnicities, and religions. With these expansions, the Ottoman Empire sought to achieve international dominance but faced opposition from European powers. As a result, the empire sought alternatives to achieve its expansionist goals without resorting to military force, turning to a policy of concluding treaties and agreements with those countries.

At the same time, European powers hastened to win the favor of the Ottoman Empire to counter looming threats, leading to a series of treaties and agreements that had wide-ranging impacts in various fields (political, economic, intellectual, and religious). These treaties were collectively referred to as "foreign privileges with the Ottoman Empire," and during the initial stages of these agreements, the Ottoman Empire was the stronger party, successfully managing these privileges to serve its overarching interests fundamentally.