Yeniçağ

Yeniçağ (Ottoman Turkish: يڭى چاغ; English: New Age or Early Modern Period) refers to the period in Ottoman and Turkish historiography corresponding roughly to the Early Modern Period in European history. While the precise dates defining Yeniçağ vary, it generally spans from the 15th century (specifically, the Fall of Constantinople in 1453) to the 18th century (often cited as the beginning of the Tanzimat period in 1839 or the French Revolution in 1789).

Key characteristics of Yeniçağ in Ottoman history include:

• Political Consolidation and Expansion: The Ottoman Empire reached its peak territorial extent and political power during this period, incorporating vast lands in southeastern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
• Centralized Administration: Attempts were made to strengthen central authority and standardize administrative practices across the empire.
• Military Developments: The Janissary corps became a dominant force in the Ottoman military, and the empire engaged in numerous conflicts with European powers, including the Habsburgs, Venice, and Russia.
• Cultural and Intellectual Flourishing: Ottoman art, architecture, literature, and scholarship experienced a period of significant development.
• Economic Changes: The empire participated in global trade networks, though it also faced economic challenges due to inflation and competition from European merchants.

The term Yeniçağ is often used in Turkish textbooks and academic discussions to differentiate this period from the earlier Ortaçağ (Middle Ages) and the subsequent Yakınçağ (Near/Modern Age). It represents a crucial era in the transformation and development of the Ottoman Empire, marking a transition from a medieval to a more modern state. The end date is often debated, depending on the historical focus.