I just came across an interesting historical note about the scale of the Ottoman Empire. Honestly, it's impressive how long this state controlled so much territory.

Look at the European part. Turkey was under Ottoman rule for as long as 623 years. Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania — all of these were under Turkish control for over 500 years. Greece also experienced a long occupation, ranging from 370 to 520 years depending on the region. Even countries like Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro were conquered for over 400 years.

In Central Asia and the Caucasus, the picture is similar. Georgia, Azerbaijan, parts of Russia — all of these were part of the Ottoman Empire at different times. And if you look at the Middle East, almost all countries: Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon — 400 years under one rule.

Even in Africa, the influence of the Ottoman Empire was colossal. Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan — the empire ruled there for 300-400 years. Some regions in East Africa also fell under control.

This is truly an impressive scale. Probably one of the longest and most extensive empires in history. It's interesting how such a system of governance could have lasted so long.