Hello! The Ottoman Empire was a powerful state that lasted from 1299 to 1922. It was founded by the Turkish tribe of Osman and was centered in what is now Turkey. At its peak, it included much of the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Eastern Europe. The Ottoman Empire was known for its military strength and its religious tolerance. It was also a major trading hub between Europe and Asia. Its government was based on Islamic law, but it allowed religious freedom to all its citizens. The empire declined in the 19th century due to internal strife and external pressures from European powers. In 1922, it officially dissolved after World War I.