The Age of Discovery, spanning roughly from the late 15th century through the 17th century, is often associated with the European maritime powers such as Spain, Portugal, England, and the Netherlands. These nations launched voyages that reshaped global trade, politics, and cultural exchange. However, the Ottoman Empire, a vast and powerful empire straddling Europe, Asia, and Africa during this period, played a crucial, albeit often underappreciated, role in the broader narrative of discovery, exploration, and expansion.

This article explores the Ottoman Empire’s position, influence, and activities during the Age of Discovery—how it navigated changing geopolitical landscapes, managed trade networks, engaged with explorers and rival powers, and impacted global exploration in the early modern era.

Background: The Ottoman Empire at the Dawn of the Age of Discovery

By the late 15th century, the Ottoman Empire had become a dominant power in the Eastern Mediterranean and parts of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Founded at the end of the 13th century by Osman I, the empire had grown significantly by the time Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) fell in 1453 to Sultan Mehmed II. This event marked a pivotal moment, ending the Byzantine Empire and securing Ottoman control over key trade routes between Europe and Asia.

The Ottomans controlled much of the traditional overland spice and silk routes connecting Asia with Europe. This strategic position gave them immense economic and political power. However, the emerging Age of Discovery, driven by European seafarers seeking alternative routes to Asia, threatened to bypass Ottoman-controlled trade routes by opening maritime passages around Africa and across the Atlantic. shutdown123