1626 The Turkish Empire

A spectacular example of John Speed's map of the Turkish Empire including much of what is now recognized the Middle East. Published during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, the verso features a comprehensive description of the Ottomans, their origins, history, traditions, and religion written in English. The Ottoman Empire The so-called Turkish Empire, which was, in fact, the Ottoman Empire, was one of the mightiest and longest-lasting dynasties in world history. This superpower ruled large areas of the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa for more than 600 years. The head of state was a Sultan who had absolute religious and political authority over his people. Western Europeans generally viewed them as a threat, but many historians regard the Ottoman Empire as a source of great regional stability and security, and of important achievements in the arts, science, religion, and culture. The Ottomans allowed freedom of worship in occupied territories and generally governed with a