The Ottoman dynasty consisted of 36 sultans, from the rise of Osman Ghazi in 1299 CE to the fall of Mehmed VI in 1922 CE. Here is the complete list of Ottoman sultans in order, along with their names and reigns:

Chronological List of Ottoman Sultans 

1. Osman I (1299-1324 CE) – عثمان بن ارطغرل
2. Orhan (1324-1362 CE) – اورخان غازی
3. Murad I (1362-1389 CE) – مراد اول
4. Bayezid I (1389-1402 CE) – بایزید اول
5. Mehmed I (1413-1421 CE) – محمد اول
6. Murad II (1421-1444, 1446-1451 CE) – مراد دوم
7. Mehmed II (1444-1446, 1451-1481 CE) – محمد فاتح
8. Bayezid II (1481-1512 CE) – بایزید دوم
9. Selim I (1512-1520 CE) – سلیم اول
10. Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566 CE) – سلیمان القانونی
11. Selim II (1566-1574 CE) – سلیم دوم
12. Murad III (1574-1595 CE) – مراد سوم
13. Mehmed III (1595-1603 CE) – محمد سوم
14. Ahmed I (1603-1617 CE) – احمد اول
15. Mustafa I (1617-1618, 1622-1623 CE) – مصطفی اول
16. Osman II (1618-1622 CE) – عثمان دوم
17. Murad IV (1623-1640 CE) – مراد چہارم
18. Ibrahim (1640-1648 CE) – ابراہیم
19. Mehmed IV (1648-1687 CE) – محمد چہارم
20. Suleiman II (1687-1691 CE) – سلیمان دوم
21. Ahmed II (1691-1695 CE) – احمد دوم
22. Mustafa II (1695-1703 CE) – مصطفی دوم
23. Ahmed III (1703-1730 CE) – احمد سوم
24. Mahmud I (1730-1754 CE) – محمود اول
25. Osman III (1754-1757 CE) – عثمان سوم
26. Mustafa III (1757-1774 CE) – مصطفی سوم
27. Abdul Hamid I (1774-1789 CE) – عبد الحمید اول
28. Selim III (1789-1807 CE) – سلیم سوم
29. Mustafa IV (1807-1808 CE) – مصطفی چہارم
30. Mahmud II (1808-1839 CE) – محمود دوم
31. Abdulmejid I (1839-1861 CE) – عبد المجید اول
32. Abdulaziz (1861-1876 CE) – عبد العزیز
33. Murad V (1876 CE) – مراد پنجم
34. Abdul Hamid II (1876-1909 CE) – عبد الحمید دوم
35. Mehmed V (1909-1918 CE) – محمد پنجم
36. Mehmed VI (1918-1922 CE) – محمد ششم

All Ottoman Sultans: Key Achievements and Notable Events

This section will delve into the key achievements and notable events that took place during the reigns of all Ottoman Sultans. From establishing a principality (Beylik) to the Ottoman Empire and its eventual decline, each sultan played a significant role in shaping the empire’s history.

Early Ottoman Sultans (1299–1512 CE): Establishment and Expansion

The early period of the Ottoman Empire was a time of remarkable growth and bold vision. These sultans expanded their territories and established systems and traditions that would define the empire for generations.

Osman I (1299–1324 CE)

Osman I, also known as Osman Bey or Osman Ghazi, son of Ertuğrul Bey (prince), was Born into a small tribal chiefdom in northwestern Anatolia (Asia Minor). Osman founded the Ottoman dynasty in 1299 CE in northwestern Anatolia by defeating Byzantine forces and establishing key alliances with neighbouring tribes. This allowed him to consolidate power and establish a foothold in the region. 

Osman, who ruled from 1299 to 1324 CE, or 1323 CE in some records, was a visionary leader, military commander, and strategic thinker. His success in uniting smaller Turkish principalities under his banner provided the Ottoman state with the stability it needed to expand. His vision and determination transformed his tribal rule into a dynasty that would last for centuries.

Orhan Gazi (1324–1362 CE)

Orhan Gazi, the second Ottoman sultan, was the son and successor of Osman. He took the fledgling state to new heights. Orhan continued his father’s expansionist policies by conquering Bursa in 1326. This city became the first Ottoman capital and a symbol of their growing power. Bursa’s strategic location not only enhanced trade but also marked the beginning of the empire’s administrative and cultural development. 

Under Orhan’s leadership, the Ottomans also began their European expansion. In 1354, his forces captured Gallipoli, a critical stronghold on the European side of the Dardanelles. This marked the empire’s first step onto European soil, signaling the start of its long and transformative presence in the Balkans.

Murad I (1362–1389 CE)

Murad I, the son of Orhan Gazi and his successor, further expanded Ottoman territories in the Balkans and solidified the Ottoman presence in Europe. Through both military campaigns and strategic diplomacy, Murad captured several key cities and regions like Thrace and Macedonia. His victory at the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, where Ottomans defeated the Serbian forces, was a turning point, ensuring Ottoman dominance in southeastern Europe. However, Murad lost his life during this battle.

Beyond his military accomplishments, Murad introduced the Janissary Corps (Turkish: Yeniçeri (pronounced “yen-ee-cher-ee”), an elite military unit composed of young Christian boys who were converted to Islam and trained as soldiers. The Janissary played a vital role in the empire’s expansion and defense. This innovation provided the empire with a highly disciplined and loyal force, ensuring its military superiority for centuries. 

Bayezid I “The Thunderbolt” (1389–1402 CE)

Bayezid I, known as Yıldırım (The Thunderbolt) for his rapid military campaigns, continued the expansion of Ottoman lands. He extended the empire’s reach into Anatolia and the Balkans, displaying unmatched energy and tactical brilliance. However, his reign also witnessed one of the empire’s most significant setbacks.

In 1402, Bayezid faced the formidable Central Asian conqueror Timur at the Battle of Ankara. The defeat was catastrophic, leading to Bayezid’s capture and the civil strife and fragmentation of the Ottoman Empire in what is known as the Ottoman Interregnum. Despite this setback, Bayezid’s earlier successes had already cemented the empire’s foundations, allowing it to recover in the years to come.

Mehmed I (1413–1421 CE)

After the chaos of the Ottoman Interregnum, Mehmed I emerged as the savior of the empire. He is known as the “Restorer,” which reunified the Ottoman lands and brought an end to the period of internal strife. Mehmed focused on stabilizing the empire, consolidating his power, and rebuilding the structures weakened during the interregnum. His reign also saw a resumption of expansion, particularly in the Balkans, laying the groundwork for his successors to achieve even greater victories.

Murad II (1421–1451 CE)

Murad II’s reign was a period of almost constant conflict, particularly with European powers. He faced multiple crusades organized by Christian states determined to halt Ottoman expansionist policies. Despite these challenges, Murad emerged victorious in most of his campaigns, demonstrating his military acumen and strategic prowess.

Murad also temporarily abdicated from the thrown in favor of his son, Mehmed II, in 1444 CE. However, when faced with renewed threats, he returned to the throne to defend the empire. His leadership ensured that the empire remained strong and ready for the transformative reign of his son.

Mehmed II “The Conqueror” (1451–1481 CE)

Mehmed II, known as “The Conqueror,” is one of the most legendary of the early Ottoman sultans. His most famous achievement was the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 CE, an event that marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and solidified the Ottoman Empire as a major global power. Mehmed Renamed the city from Constantinople to Istanbul, and made it new capital of the Ottoman empire, trasnformed it in a vibrant cultural, ecomoic, and political hub.

Mehmed did not stop there. He worked tirelessly to consolidate Ottoman rule in Anatolia and expand into the Balkans. His reign saw the Ottoman Empire emerge as a true superpower, bridging East and West.

Bayezid II (1481–1512 CE)

Bayezid II, the son of Mehmed II, focused on internal stability rather than conquest. His reign is remembered for strengthening the empire’s naval power and for fostering a period of cultural and economic growth. A notable moment in his reign was his decision to welcome thousands of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492. This act of tolerance not only enriched Ottoman society but also demonstrated the empire’s openness to diversity.

This era of early Ottoman sultans set the stage for the empire’s golden age, showcasing a blend of military might, administrative skill, and cultural ambition. 

Golden Age Ottoman Sultans (1512–1566 CE): Height of Power

The 16th century marked the Ottoman Empire’s golden age, a period of territorial expansion, military dominance, prosperity, and cultural achievement. Under the leadership of two extraordinary sultans, the empire reached its zenith, stretching from Eastern Europe to the Middle East and North Africa.

Selim I “The Grim” (1512–1520 CE)

Selim I, known as “Yavuz,” meaning “Grim, stern,” or “fierce,” was a ruler of extraordinary ambition and strategic brilliance. His reign, though brief, profoundly shaped the course of the Ottoman Empire. Selim shifted the empire’s focus toward the Middle East, launching campaigns that brought vast new territories under Ottoman control.

In 1514, Selim decisively defeated the Safavids, a Shiite Persian dynasty (1501–1736 CE) that established a powerful empire in Persia (Iran), at the Battle of Chaldiran, securing Ottoman dominance in eastern Anatolia and northern Mesopotamia. This victory not only expanded the empire but also solidified its position as a Sunni Islamic power, countering the Shia Safavid influence.

Selim’s most significant achievement, however, came in 1517 when he defeated the Mamluks, a powerful caste of slave soldiers who ruled Egypt and Syria from 1250 to 1517 CE. This victory brought Egypt, Syria, and the Hejaz (Hejaza, a western Saudi Arabia region home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina) under Ottoman rule. With this conquest, Selim also took control of the holy cities of Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem, earning him the title of Caliph, the spiritual and political leader of the Islamic world. His reign marked a turning point, transforming the Ottoman state into a global empire.

Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1566 CE)

Suleiman the Magnificent succeeded Selim in 1520, often called the greatest Ottoman sultan, representing the pinnacle of Ottoman power and influence. Under Suleiman’s rule, the empire reached its greatest territorial extent, spanning three continents Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Suleiman’s military campaigns were legendary. In Europe, he expanded Ottoman control into Hungary and famously laid siege to Vienna in 1529 CE, striking fear into the heart of Christendom. In the Middle East, he consolidated Ottoman rule in Iraq and further secured control over the Red Sea, strengthening trade routes and naval dominance. In North Africa, Ottoman influence extended to Algeria, creating a vast and interconnected empire.

Beyond his military achievements, Suleiman is celebrated for his contributions to law and culture. He framed comprehensive legal reforms that harmonized Islamic law with the needs of a diverse empire, earning him the title of “Kanuni” (The Lawgiver) among his subjects. His patronage of the arts and architecture led to the construction of some of Istanbul’s most iconic monuments, including the Süleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture designed by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan.

Suleiman’s era was also a cultural golden age. The court became a center of learning, art, and poetry, attracting scholars and artisans from the empire and beyond. His reign symbolized the Ottoman Empire at its most majestic, with a legacy that would inspire admiration and ambition in future generations.

The Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire was a period of extraordinary achievement, as Selim I and Suleiman the Magnificent elevated the empire to unprecedented heights. This era remains a testament to the Ottomans’ strategic acumen, cultural sophistication, and political vision.

Middle Period Ottoman Sultans (1566–1687 CE)

The Middle Period of the Ottoman Empire was marked by efforts to maintain stability amongst growing internal and external challenges. As the empire expanded, governing its vast territories became increasingly complex, requiring strong leadership and efficient administration. However, this era also saw a mix of capable and incapable Sultans, each leaving their mark on the empire’s history.

Selim II “The Drunkard” (1566–1574 CE)

Selim II, also known as The Drunkard, for his love of wine and poetry. Selim II, the son of Suleiman the Magnificent, ascended the throne during a time of immense expectations. However, unlike his father, Selim preferred leisure over governance and delegated most state affairs to his capable grand viziers; most notable were Sokollu Mehmed Pasha and Piyale Pasha. This reliance on advisors ensured some degree of continuity in administration but came at a cost to the sultan’s authority.

One of the defining moments of Selim’s reign was the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. This naval battle against a coalition of Christian states led by the Holy League resulted in a devastating defeat for the Ottoman navy in the Mediterranean Sea. Although the Ottomans rebuilt their fleet within a year, the battle marked the beginning of a decline in Ottoman naval dominance in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite these challenges, Selim maintained the empire’s territorial integrity, largely thanks to his strong administration.

Murad III (1574–1595 CE)

Murad III’s reign witnessed a flourishing of Ottoman culture and the arts. He supported poets, architects, and scholars, fostering a vibrant cultural environment that left a lasting legacy. However, his reign also highlighted growing cracks in the empire’s structure.

Militarily, Murad continued campaigns in Europe and the Safavid front, expanding Ottoman territory in some regions. Yet, his rule was marred by rising corruption and inefficiencies within the administration. The increasing influence of palace factions, including the harem and court officials, further weakened centralized governance.

Mehmed III (1595–1603 CE)

Mehmed III’s reign began with a dramatic and chilling act, the execution of 19 of his brothers, a grim reflection of the Ottoman succession system designed to prevent civil war. While this act secured his rule, it underscored the internal tensions of the empire.

On the battlefield, Mehmed achieved significant victories, particularly in Hungary, where he defeated the Habsburgs at the Battle of Keresztes in 1596. However, these successes were offset by internal crises, including revolts and administrative breakdowns, which strained the empire’s resources and cohesion.

Ahmed I (1603–1617 CE)

Ahmed I is perhaps best remembered for commissioning the construction of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul from 1609 to 1617 CE. This stunning architectural masterpiece is a symbol of Ottoman grandeur. However, his reign was one of delicate balance.

Ahmed worked to maintain a fragile peace with European powers, including the Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburgs, avoiding large-scale conflicts while addressing domestic challenges. Despite his efforts, the empire struggled to regain the energy and unity that had defined earlier periods.

Mustafa I (1617–1618 CE, 1622–1623 CE)

Mustafa I’s two reigns, from 1617 to 1618 CE and from 1622 to 1623 CE, were marked by instability and confusion. Deposed twice due to his mental health and inability to govern effectively, his time on the throne reflected the empire’s growing reliance on factions within the palace and the Janissaries, who increasingly influenced succession decisions.

Osman II (1618–1622 CE)

Osman II ascended the throne in 1618. He was a young and ambitious sultan, sought to reform the empire and curb the growing power of the Janissaries. However, his attempts to modernize the military and strengthen central authority faced fierce resistance. The Janissaries, threatened by these changes, deposed and executed Osman in 1622, a shocking event that revealed the depth of internal divisions within the empire.

Murad IV (1623–1640 CE)

Murad IV, who ruled from 1623 to 1640 CE, came to power during a time of chaos and disorder. He implemented harsh and often brutal measures to root out corruption and lawlessness and to restore stability. His reign is notable for his personal involvement in military campaigns, including the successful conquest of Baghdad in 1638, which secured Ottoman dominance in Mesopotamia.

Despite his authoritarian rule, Murad IV’s measures temporarily stabilized the empire, demonstrating the necessity of strong leadership during turbulent times.

Ibrahim “The Mad” (1640–1648 CE)

Ibrahim, also known as “The Mad,” for his erratic behavior and unpredictable decision-making, became one of the most infamous sultans in Ottoman history. His reign was characterized by instability, mismanagement, and extravagant spending, which strained the empire’s finances. His behavior eventually led to his deposition, highlighting the empire’s vulnerability to weak leadership.

Mehmed IV (1648–1687 CE)

Mehmed IV presided over a period of significant military challenges, most notably the Ottoman defeat at the Siege of Vienna in 1683 CE. This defeat was a turning point that marked the beginning of the empire’s territorial retreat and gradual decline in Europe.

Despite this setback, Mehmed’s reign also saw efforts at reform under the leadership of the Köprülü viziers, a family of capable administrators who implemented much-needed changes in the military and administration. Their reforms temporarily revitalized the empire, demonstrating the potential for recovery even in difficult times.

The Middle Period of the Ottoman Empire was a time of contrasting cultural brilliance, and military victories coexisted with administrative inefficiencies and internal strife. While the sultans of this era faced significant challenges, their reigns also revealed the resilience and adaptability of the Ottoman system.

Latter Ottoman Sultans (1687–1922 CE): Decline and Reforms  

The Ottoman Empire’s decline began in the late 17th century when Ottomans were defeated in a series of military campaigns, internal strife, and attempts at modernization. Despite these efforts, the empire continued to weaken, and was often referred to as the “Sick Man of Europe”. This ultimately led to its dissolution in the 20th century and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.

Suleiman II (1687–1691 CE)

Suleiman II succeeded the throne in 1687 during a time of military instability. He initiated minor military reforms and attempted to consolidate control over rebellious regions. While his reign was short, Suleiman’s ability to stabilize Ottoman military campaigns against European powers provided a brief respite from the ongoing decline.

Ahmed II (1691–1695 CE)

Ahmed II’s reign was defined by defensive efforts against advancing European powers, particularly the Habsburg dynasty. The empire’s losses in territories highlighted the growing disparity in military effectiveness between the Ottomans and their European rivals. While Ahmed II showed determination, his reign could not reverse the trajectory of territorial contraction.

Mustafa II (1695–1703 CE)

Mustafa II’s reign from 1695 to 1703 CE was marked by significant setbacks, particularly the Treaty of Karlowitz in 1699, which ceded vast Ottoman territories in Central Europe to the Habsburgs and their allies. This treaty was a turning point, signaling the end of Ottoman dominance in Europe. Mustafa’s attempts to reform the military were overshadowed by these defeats, and his inability to placate internal unrest led to his eventual deposition.

Ahmed III (1703–1730 CE): The Tulip Era

Ahmed III’s reign saw a unique cultural renaissance, often referred to as the Tulip Era. This period was marked by artistic and architectural achievements, as well as the adoption of European influences in Ottoman society. The construction of pleasure gardens and the promotion of decorative arts reflected a focus on refinement and cultural exchange.

However, the Tulip Era also saw growing dissatisfaction among the populace, culminating in the Patrona Halil Revolt (a 1730 CE Ottoman uprising led by Albanian Janissary Patrona Halil against government corruption and inefficiency), which led to Ahmed’s deposition. This era, though short-lived, symbolized a shift toward modernization and a departure from the purely militaristic focus of earlier centuries.

Mahmud I (1730–1754 CE)

Mahmud I worked to restore stability following the chaos of the Tulip Era. His reign was marked by a renewed focus on military revitalization and architectural projects. He fostered alliances with European experts to modernize the Ottoman army, reflecting the growing realization that traditional methods were no longer sufficient to maintain the empire’s power.

Osman III (1754–1757 CE)

Osman III, known for his introverted lifestyle, had a brief from 1754 to 1757 CE. Osman remained relatively disconnected from the political and social issues of the empire. While he avoided major reforms or conflicts, his tenure reflected the inertia that characterized parts of this period in Ottoman history. 

Mustafa III (1757–1774 CE)

Mustafa III sought to address the empire’s stagnation through military reforms, including efforts to modernize the army with European techniques. Despite these initiatives, his reign was overshadowed by the Russo-Turkish War, which exposed the empire’s vulnerabilities and led to territorial losses.

Abdulhamid I (1774–1789 CE)

Abdulhamid I faced one of the most significant defeats in Ottoman history during the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774. The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca in 1774 CE granted the Russian Empire of the Romanov Dynasty (1613-1917 CE) significant territorial gains and the right to intervene in Ottoman affairs, further eroding Ottoman sovereignty. Despite these challenges, Abdulhamid sought to maintain the empire’s integrity through diplomatic and administrative efforts.

Selim III (1789–1807 CE)

Selim III, ruling from 1789 to 1807, was a visionary reformer who recognized the need for comprehensive changes known as Nizam-ı Cedid (New Order). These reforms aimed to modernize the military and administration, drawing inspiration from European models. However, these changes faced fierce resistance from conservative factions, including the Janissaries, leading to his eventual deposition and execution.

Mustafa IV (1807–1808 CE)

Mustafa IV’s brief and chaotic reign reflected the turbulence of the early 19th century. His attempts to restore traditional governance failed to address the empire’s deeper structural issues, and he was deposed after only a year.

Mahmud II (1808–1839 CE)

Mahmud II was a transformative ruler who abolished the Janissary Corps in 1826, a critical step in modernizing the Ottoman military. His reforms extended to governance, education, and infrastructure, laying the groundwork for the Tanzimat Era of modernization.

Abdulmejid I (1839–1861 CE)

Abdulmejid I’s reign is best known for the Tanzimat reforms, a series of modernizing reforms implemented in the Ottoman Empire from 1839 to 1876 CE. These reforms included granting greater rights to non-Muslim subjects, modernizing education, and improving infrastructure.

Abdulaziz (1861–1876 CE)

Abdulaziz focused on infrastructure development, including the expansion of railways and the modernization of the navy. However, his extravagant spending led to financial crises, and growing opposition from reformist factions culminated in his deposition.

Murad V (1876 CE)

Murad V’s reign lasted only 93 days before he was deposed due to mental health issues. Despite his short rule, his progressive ideals symbolized the growing desire for constitutional governance within the empire.

Abdul Hamid II (1876–1909 CE)

Abdul Hamid II initially introduced a constitution but suspended it within two years in 1878. Abdul Hamid’s rule was an autocrat during a period of decline and unrest. His reign saw the empire’s continued territorial losses and growing internal dissent, but he also invested in infrastructure and education. The eventual Young Turk Revolution in 1908 ended his rule.

Mehmed V (1909–1918 CE)

Mehmed V presided over the empire during World War I, aligning the Ottoman Empire with the Central Powers. The war brought devastating losses and further weakened the empire, setting the stage for its dissolution.

Mehmed VI (1918–1922 CE)

Mehmed VI was the last sultan of the Ottoman Empire, who witnessed the empire’s collapse. The abolition of the sultanate in 1922 CE marked the end of over 600 years of Ottoman rule, paving the way for the establishment of the Turkish Republic under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

The period of decline and reform in the Ottoman Empire was characterized by significant challenges and efforts to modernize the state. Despite numerous reforms and attempts to stabilize the empire, external pressures and internal struggles ultimately led to its dissolution.

Conclusion 

The Ottoman Empire, one of the largest and most influential empires in history, was ruled by 36 sultans over more than 600 years. From its beginnings in the late 13th century to its eventual decline and dissolution in the 20th century, the Ottoman Empire played a significant role in shaping the modern world.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Daniel Goffman. The Ottoman Empire and Early Modern Europe
2. Caroline Finkel. Osman’s Dream: The History of the Ottoman Empire
3. Halil İnalcık. The Ottoman Empire: The Classical Age 1300–1600
4. André Clot. Suleiman the Magnificent
5. Suraiya Faroqhi. The Ottoman Empire: A Short History
6. Alan Palmer. The Fall of the Ottoman Empire
7. Marc David Baer. The Ottomans: Khans, Caesars, and Caliphs
8. Stanford J. Shaw. History of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Turkey
9. Bernard Lewis. The Emergence of Modern Turkey.
10. Patrick Balfour Baron Kinross. The Ottoman Centuries: The Rise and Fall of the Turkish Empire.
11. Stephen Turnbull. The Ottoman Empire 1326-1699
12. Donald Quataert. The Ottoman Empire, 1700-1922.

Websites:

• The Ottoman History Podcast
• BBC History.  The Ottoman Empire