Suleiman+the+Magnificent

**Suleiman the Magnificent**
 

Suleiman the Magnificent was a sultan of the Ottoman Empire who was known for greatly expanding the empire and reforming Ottoman legislation. Suleiman's rule started in approximately 1520 and lasted until 1566. During these years, he expanded the Ottoman Empire from Turkey to the Mediterranean Islands through military campaigns. He was personally involved in thirteen campaigns. Not only did he expand the Ottoman Empire to its peak, he maintained the empire throughout his entire life.

Other than enlarging the Ottoman Empire, Suleiman worked to reform Ottoman legislation. He restored the basic principles that were first given by Mehmed II, an early sultan, in the 1400s. For example, he reformed inheritance rights and criminal justice. Also, Suleiman worked to eliminate corruption and fraud. He was able to maintain his legislation and improved the Ottoman Empire.

Suleiman also impacted European politics. He formed an alliance with the French in 1532. This alliance made the Ottoman Empire the dominating sea power. Suleiman died in 1566. After his death, many forces worked to weaken the power Ottoman Empire and its rulers. This led to a period of decline.

Works Cited 
 *  Garnet, A. “File:Suleiman Agostino.JPG.” Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia Foundations, 7 Apr. 2008. Web. 1 Apr. 2010. .
 *  “Suleiman, I.” Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2nd ed. N.p.: Gale, 1998. N. pag. Biography Resource Center. Web. 12 Mar. 2010.
 *  “Suleyman I, 1494-1566 Turkish Sultan.” Renaissance: An Encyclopedia for Students. Ed. Paul F. Grendler. Vol. 4. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 2004. 113. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 11 Mar. 2010.



