Ottoman Empire- The Ottoman Empire was a large Empire built by Ottoman Turks. Over time this Empire greatly expanded as the leaders conquered other lands. The key to their success was the training of large numbers of young boys to fight in the battles. These young boys were very loyal to the Ottomans and were the first army to use gunpowder weapons. Even the holy cities of Mecca and Medina were under Ottoman rule. The capital of this Empire was Istanbul, which used to be called Constantinople until the Ottomans took it over and renamed it.
Safavid Empire- The Safavid Empire conquered what is now Persia. Like the Ottomans the Safavid Empire used gunpowder weapons. This Empire suffered a major defeat from the Ottoman empire. The two groups were warring because of differences in the way they believed in their religion. The Ottomans believed in the Sunni religion and the Safavid believed in the Shia religion. The two groups had a difference of opinion about who could become caliph.
Mughal Empire- This Empire would let all religions live and work there. Therefore for the first time Hindu and Muslims could live together in peace. This empire blended many different ideas and many great works of architecture were created including the Taj Mahal. In the late 1600's, a new emperor decided to change the idea of different religions living together and destroyed the Hindu temples. A great deal of violence resulted and the empire fell apart.
Subject: The 3 Empires