CHAPTER 4a: THE OTTOMAN SULTANS OF BURSA

OSMAN GHAZI (1299-1326)

In the heart of history's annals lies a tale of bravery, vision, and the birth of an empire. Journey
back to a time when the world was in flux, and the seeds of greatness were sown by a remarkable
personality: Osman Ghazi. Emerging from the tumultuous backdrop of the 13th and 14th centuries,
he carved his name into the annals of time as the founder of the illustrious Ottoman Empire.
Through his triumphs on the battlefield and his strategic governance,
Osman laid the groundwork for an empire that would endure for
centuries, casting an indelible influence on the pages of history.

Osman Ghazi (r. 1289–1326)

Osman Ghazi, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, emerged from the
Kayi tribe as the son of Ertugrul Ghazi and Hayme Ana. His birth
coincided with the fall of Baghdad to the Mongols in 1258. Alongside
his brothers, Gunduz and Saru Batu, he was raised in the ways of
horsemanship, archery, wrestling, swordsmanship, and falconry. He
also studied the Quran and spiritual sciences. Under the guidance of
Sheikh Edebali, his mentor and father-in-law, as well as Faqih
Dursun, Osman gained spiritual knowledge and Qur'anic education.
His father Ertugrul introduced him to the art of battle. Osman
married Mal Hatun mother of Orhan in 1280 and Rabia Bala Hatun
in 1289.

Military Conquests
The Kayi tribe started with only 2,000 people living in 400 tents with about 400 horsemen.
Supported by warriors like Turgut Alp, Aykut Alp, and Saltuk Alp, Osman began his military
endeavors. Following the teachings of Sheikh Edebali and Faqih Dursun, he governed in accordance
with Islamic Law. He laid the foundation of the Ottoman principality, nurturing it into an empire
by welcoming and training Turkoman refugees known as garips. Through conquests, he expanded
from Sogut into Bithynia, fortifying his rule through military strength, economic opportunities, and
diplomacy. Osman introduced the Ghaza system to spread Islam and used Istimalah to foster
goodwill among newly conquered regions.

In the beginning, the Kayi tribe lived in peace. They lived in Domanic during the summer months
and migrated to Sogut during the winter. They were friendly with some of the Tekfurs (governors)
and were able to migrate and move about safely. However, the Tekfur of Inegol (Anglekoma) had
started attacking them and was making the migrations risky. At this stage, Osman had to take
action.

1284: First Holy Wars: Osman moved to take Inegol, but Nikola set up an ambush. Osman and his
70 Alps were defeated, and his nephew Bay Hoca was martyred.

1285: Battle of Kulaca Hisar: Osman conquered the castle at Kulaca Hisar with 300 warriors.

1286: Battle of Domanitis: Alongwith some other Tekfurs, Nikola plotted to assassinate Osman.
Osman, not only got away, but also conquered the Castle of Yarhisar. Later, he attacked Inegol and
killed Nikola.

1288: Battle of Karaca Hisar: Osman sent Turgut Alp to conquer Malachia, renaming it Karaca
Hisar. This opened the door to Bursa for Osman.

1299: Yenisehir: Turgut Alp conquered Inegol, followed by Bilekoma and Melangia, which was
renamed Yenisehir. Yenisehir became the capital until the conquest of Bursa in 1326. Moschonisi
fortress and Pithekas were conquered in 1301 and 1302.

1300: Founding of Ottoman Empire: Frontier ghazis gathered and enthroned Osman Ghazi as ruler.
Turkomans settled in these areas, providing necessary manpower. In 1308, Ahmed Ghazan of the
Ilkhanate, exterminated the Seljuk state. Osman took the title "Padishah Al i Osman – Sovereign of
the House of Osman."

1302: Battle of Bapheus (Koyun Hisar): Osman besieged Iznik (Nicaea), prompting the Byzantine
Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos to mobilize troops. They met at Bapheus; A night raid by Osman
and conflict within the Byzantine ranks played an important role in the eventual victory on 27 July
1302. The siege of Iznik continued, and Orhan Gazi (Osman’s son) eventually captured the city in
1331.

1303: Battle of Dimbos: Osman won the Battle of Dimbos, opening the Bursa Plain and Mysia Olypos
to Turkmen settlement.

1304: Sankarya Campaign: Osman organized a campaign against the Byzantine fortress along the
Sankarya River. Various towns and fortresses were annexed to Ottoman territories.

1326: Conquest of Bursa: After a long and difficult siege of over 20 years, on 6th April 1326, Bursa
surrendered to Orhan. Osman is said to have died around the time of this conquest. Prusa became
the first major walled city to come under Ottoman rule, doubling the wealth and population of
the beylik overnight.

Legacy of Osman
Osman's leadership was marked by his emphasis on religious foundations. He supported ahi
dervishes, Islamic jurists, and spiritual masters like Sheikh Edebali. His methods of conquest
revolved around gaining the favor of the conquered population, allowing them to practice their
religions without forceful conversion. Osman's visionary dream symbolized his future empire's
growth and legitimacy.
Osman Ghazi's legacy is profound. He was the founder of the Ottoman Empire, uniting diverse
warriors under one flag and providing refuge for displaced Turkomans. His emphasis on religious
foundations and governance based on Islamic principles set the stage for the empire's enduring
identity. His expansion into new territories laid the groundwork for the empire's future expansion
and influence.

When he died he left behind: A piece of cloth for his turban, which was about 6 feet long, an armor
set for his horse, a saddlebag, one single garment, a saltshaker, a spoon holder, a pair of boots, a
prayer beads chain, an elegant sword, a shield and spear, a few horses and several sheep grazed to
sacrifice for his guests!

Major Battles
Year Name of Battle Sultan Against Impact
1302 Battle of Bapheus Osman Byzantine The Ottoman victory at Bapheus
Ghazi forces boosted the morale of Osman's forces
and established their presence in the
region, contributing to the early
growth of the Ottoman state.
1326 Siege of Bursa Osman Byzantine The Ottoman forces successfully
and forces captured Bursa in 1326 or 1327,
Orhan marking a significant territorial gain.
Ghazi Bursa would later become the first
capital of the Ottoman Empire under
the reign of Orhan Gazi.
Timeline of Osman’s Reign
• 1258: The Mongol Empire captures and sacks Baghdad.
• 1258: Osman Ghazi, the founder of the Ottoman Dynasty, is born.
• 1281: Orhan, one of Osman's sons, is born.
• 1284: First Holy War as Osman attempts to capture Inegol.
• 1285: Osman conquers the castle at Kulaca Hisar near Inegol.
• 1286: Battle of Domanitis - Osman's brother Saru Batu is martyred.
• 1288: Osman conquers Malachia and renames it Karaca Hisar, establishing his first capital.
• 1299: Osman captures Bilekoma and Melangia, which is renamed Yenisehir, Ottoman
Empire's official establishment.
• 1302: Battle of Bapheus marks the foundation of the Ottoman Empire.
• 1303: Battle of Dimbos opens the Bursa Plain and Mysia Olypos to Turkmen settlement.
• 1304: Sangarios Campaign leads to the conquest of various fortresses.
• 1326: Capture of Prousa (Bursa)
• 1326: Death of Osman Ghazi
What was Happening Elsewhere (1258-1325)
• 1258: Henry III (1216-1272), the first Plantagenet King of England faced the "Provisions of
Oxford," where English barons attempted to limit his power
• 1261: Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos (1259-1282) managed to recapture
Constantinople from the Latin Empire
• 1272: Edward I (1272-1307), often known as "Longshanks" due to his tall stature, succeeded
his father, Henry III
• 1275: Marco Polo visited China
• 1282: Andronikos II (1282-1328) became Byzantine emperor; faced a period of economic
difficulties, military challenges, and internal strife during his reign
• 1304-1307: Edward II (1307-1327), the son of Edward I, became king; his reign was marred
by conflicts with nobles, particularly his cousin Thomas of Lancaster
• 1304-1369: Ibn Batuta’s travels
• 1314: Scotland won against England at the Battle of Bannockburn, after the reign of King
Alexander III (1249-1286)
• 1325-1337: The Aztec Empire begins to expand its territory in Mesoamerica under the rule of
Emperor Itzcoatl, they build the city of Tonochitlan.
• 1325: Mansa Musa went on Haj