The Ottoman Empire, founded around 1299, spanned three continents at its height in the 16th and 17th centuries. Centered in Istanbul, it was a vast, multicultural state ruled by sultans. Known for its military prowess, the Ottomans incorporated diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicities into their administration. The empire declined in the late 17th century and eventually dissolved after World War I, marking the end of a significant chapter in history.