AD 1500-1920 Ottoman

The dominant force in Western Asia during the 16th and 17th centuries was the Ottoman Empire, which gradually grew from its beginnings in Anatolia to encompass the entire area, as well as South-east Europe and North Africa. The exception to this was Iran, which was ruled by the Safavid dynasty.

This period was marked by increased contact with Europe as trade routes and diplomatic exchanges became more frequent. Both the Safavids and the Ottomans organised industries such as textiles and pottery, exporting their goods to Europe. At different times, the Dutch, English and Portuguese established trading posts on the Persian Gulf, importing European goods such as clocks, guns and paintings in return for spice, textiles and tea. In the 18th century, wealthy Ottoman and Persian travellers to Europe also brought back new ideas about culture, industry and politics.

By 1722 the Safavids had been displaced by a succession of other ruling families, and the Ottoman Empire started to suffer from a series of rebellions and wars. It gradually lost its lands, and with them, its economic, political and military power. In 1925 the Turkish government officially abolished the Ottoman caliphate.