Ottoman Empire Conquered Nations: Territorial Dominion Across Three Continents

From the 15th century to the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire was one of the most powerful empires in history, spanning three continents and ruling over dozens of countries and regions. This vast territory was gradually established through long-term military conquests and political expansion, with each area’s period of rule reflecting the empire’s rise and fall at different times.

Long-term Occupation and Control of European Territories

In Europe, Ottoman rule was the most profound. The Turkish mainland was directly governed by the empire for 623 years, becoming its core power. Balkan countries also experienced centuries of Ottoman rule—Bulgaria was occupied for 515 years, North Macedonia for 542 years, and Greece’s regions varied from 370 to 520 years due to geographical and political differences. Serbia was an important territory during 419 years of rule, while Montenegro, Bosnia, and Herzegovina were occupied for 399 and 415 years respectively. Kosovo was under Ottoman control for 524 years, and Albania for 527 years.

Romania’s three regions in Southeast Europe also experienced long-term Ottoman rule: Wallachia for 484 years, Moldova for 274 years, and Transylvania for 337 years. Parts of northern Croatia were occupied for a shorter period, about 147 years, while Hungary experienced Ottoman rule during different periods totaling 160 to 192 years. The Slovak Uvar region was incorporated into the empire for 22 years.

Extensive Expansion in the Caucasus and Middle East

The Ottoman influence in the Caucasus was also significant. Georgia experienced different periods of rule—349, 398, and 1 year—reflecting repeated struggles for control over the region. The Russian-controlled Caucasus (Dagestan and Kabarda) was under Ottoman control for 355 years, Armenia for 41 years, and Azerbaijan for 26 years.

Most of the Middle East was once core Ottoman territory. Iraq was under Ottoman rule for 404 years, making it the most important region in the empire’s Middle Eastern holdings. Syria, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon each experienced 402 years of Ottoman control. Palestine was occupied for 401 years. Different regions of Saudi Arabia (Haj, Nejd, and Hasa) were under Ottoman rule for 393 years, Kuwait for 361 to 375 years, and Yemen’s two periods of control totaled 146 years. Qatar’s Ottoman rule was relatively short, only 42 years, and Muscat in Oman lasted just 8 years. Cyprus was under Ottoman rule for 307 to 343 years.

Control of Coastal and Inland Areas in Africa

The Ottoman Empire’s influence in Africa was mainly concentrated along the northern and eastern coastlines. Egypt and Sudan experienced 365 to 397 years of Ottoman rule, making them the most significant Ottoman territories in Africa. Libya was occupied for 382 years, Algeria for 315 years, and Tunisia for 307 to 330 years. Eritrea’s 330 years of rule and Djibouti’s 329 years reflect deep control over the Red Sea coast. Parts of Somalia experienced 361 years of Ottoman influence. South Sudan was under Ottoman control for 93 years.

Additionally, the empire’s control over Morocco lasted only 20 years, and Ethiopia’s Harar region for just 8 years. The durations in Niger, Chad, and Mombasa in Kenya were even shorter—31, 37, and 5 years respectively—highlighting the empire’s limited inland expansion in Africa. Uganda’s Hatt-Humayun region was incorporated into the empire for 10 years.

These data clearly demonstrate the Ottoman Empire’s extensive influence across three continents, as well as the longevity and complexity of its rule.