This text covers the events in the Ottoman Empire from the fall of Constantinople to the decline of the Ottoman's power, taking a thematic approach. It examines the social and economic conditions behind the empire's expansion during the 15th and 16th centuries, focusing in particular on the achievements of Mehmet the Conqueror and Suleiman the Magnificent. Using contemporary sources, it considers both the European view of the empire and the impact of Europe on the Ottoman world. The text is part of the Access to History series, which provides concise and readable introductions to major topics and periods in European and British history. Study guides for students are included in each chapter.