Sample Solution

The Ottoman Empire was a major force in European history and its influence extended far beyond Europe’s borders. It played an important role in the world economy, politics, and culture through its expansive reach into North Africa and the Middle East, Central Asia and the Balkans (Inalcik 1994). The Ottomans opened up trade routes that connected Europe to the Far East, allowing for increased cultural exchange between regions (Kasaba 2000). These networks of communication also introduced Europeans to new ideas about government, science and technology from other parts of the world (Todorova 2009).

Additionally, due to its geographical location lying at the crossroads between east and west,the Ottoman Empire served as a conduit of ideas between different religious traditions such as Christianity and Islam which had significant implications for social change both within Europe itself and internationally (Shaw 1976). This interconnectedness is still present today with many countries in the region retaining aspects of their Ottoman heritage. For example Muslim-majority countries such as Turkey have adopted aspects of Western political ideology while maintaining a strong Muslim identity (McDougall 2006).

Overall, it is clear that what we now consider to be “European” history is deeply rooted in a globalized past where interconnectivity facilitated an increased exchange of knowledge across continents.