When considering the Ottoman Empire, one of the chief ideas to spring to mind is Islam. Certainly it is accepted that the Ottoman empire was traditionally an Islamic empire and remained officially so from its birth to its demise. However, to ascertain whether religion was the most significant motivation for their expansion this empire must be examined in further detail.
The Ottoman Empire sprung from nomadic tribes conquering neighbouring territories in Anatolia. The word Ottoman means literally 'those who are with Osman,' owing to their uniting leader being Osman. …
