The Ottoman Empire, like its eventual rival the Habsburg Empire, was a dynastic kingdom whose rule encompassed most of the Middle East, most of North Africa, and parts of Europe at its peak in the mid-17th century. Osman I founded the Ottoman Empire in the early 14th century, and subsequent rulers, or Sultans, rapidly expanded the boundaries of the territory. In the 15th and 16th centuries the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, putting an end to the powerful Byzantine Empire and expanded north into Europe, becoming a major player in European politics. At the beginning of the 20th century, the power of the Ottoman Empire had been declining for several hundred years, and the Empire officially dissolved at the end of the First World War.

In this revised and updated second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Ottoman Empire, author Selcuk Aksin Somel introduces both the general reader and the researcher to the history of this dynasty. The comprehensive dictionary includes detailed, alphabetical entries on key figures, ideas, places, and themes related to Ottoman history and culture. An expanded introduction provides a basic overview to the history of the Empire, and a guide to further sources and suggested readings can be found in the extensive bibliography that follows the entries. A basic chronology and various maps and illustrations are also included in the dictionary. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Ottoman Empire.