Major players in the Ottoman Empire:

Mehmed II  r.1444-81
Selim I        r.1512-20
Suleyman    r.1520-66
Sinan          d.1588
Selim II       r.1566-74

The Ottoman Empire ruled for approximately six centuries and at their greatest occupied parts of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.  The center of their power was located in the city of Constantinople (modern Istanbul).   During the fourteenth century Anatolia, the eastern part of Turkey, was splintered into small regions, each loyal to a local leader.  By the year 1453, one group from northwest Anatolia had risen to power and captured Constantinople.  This was an important city because it was located on the Bosphorus River, the body of water that separates Asia and Europe.  Due to this location, the Ottomans drew from cultural traditions to both the east and west.

In art the Ottomans also used great care in creating symbols of power and supremacy.  The sultan was involved in regulating building types and decorative motifs to ensure that they worked toward maintaining the strength of the empire.  One of the most important Ottoman rulers was Suleyman the Great.  He was not only a strong military leader but also an important patron of the arts.  The lands that the Ottomans ruled were diverse in language, religion, and culture.  Therefore, rulers such as Suleyman had to consciously create symbols to unite their land and show their power.