Throughout Ottoman reign, there was an interest in expanding Ottoman territory and a concern for protecting Ottoman controlled lands.  The borders of the empire were pushed east in reaction to the Safavid Empire (in modern Iran and Iraq).  Egypt and Saudi Arabia were important as the Portuguese, who were also expanding their military and economic strength, had navigated a new route around the southern tip of Africa to India.  This posed a  threat to Ottoman trade.  The Ottomans also pushed west and reached as far as Vienna, Austria.

The Ottomans were able to maintain their dominance for many centuries through organizing their society according to a hierarchical, system.  The sultan held supreme power and commanded a level of respect and awe that made him unapproachable.  The elite class was a military class.  Complete loyalty to the sultan and to Islam was demanded.  The elite came not only from the traditional ruling class but also through an Ottoman organization called the Janissary.  It was formed of men who were taken as boys from Christian families and educated in Islamic law and the ways of the court.  This privileged group was then the closest to the sultan and were completely loyal to him.