I just came across an interesting historical piece about how far the power of the Ottoman Empire extended. Honestly, the scale is impressive.

In Europe, this empire controlled vast territories. Turkey — 623 years, Bulgaria — 515 years, North Macedonia — 542 years, Greece — from 370 to 520 years depending on the region. Serbia lasted 419 years under this power, Montenegro — 399 years, Bosnia and Herzegovina — 415 years. There was even presence in Hungary — roughly 160-192 years, and in Croatia partially — 147 years. Albania — a full 527 years.

But that’s not all. In the Caucasus, the situation was also under Ottoman Empire control — Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and parts of Russian territories like Dagestan and Kabardia. And in some places, it lasted for centuries.

In the Middle East, the picture is even more extensive. Iraq — 404 years, Syria — 402 years, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon — all about 400 years. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen — were also included. Cyprus was held for 307-343 years.

In Africa too, there was serious control. Egypt — 365-397 years, Libya — 382 years, Algeria — 315 years, Tunisia — 307-330 years, Sudan — 365-397 years. Even in East Africa, there were possessions — Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia.

When you see these figures together, you realize that the Ottoman Empire was truly a global force. Terритории countries that it controlled covered three continents. A wild scale for a single empire.