Suleiman I

Suleiman I

Suleiman I (1494-1566) became known in the Western world as "The Magnificent." However, his own people called Suleiman I "The Lawgiver." He was the 10th ruler of the Ottoman Empire. During Suleiman's rule, the empire was the richest and most powerful in Europe and the Middle East. Suleiman led armies into Hungary and stormed the walls of Vienna. In Asia, his armies invaded Persia (Iran) and captured Tabriz and Baghdad. Suleiman's fleets dominated the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and the Persian Gulf. His sailors held North Africa and raided the coasts of Spain, France, and Italy. Suleiman took Rhodes from the Knights Hospitallers (members of the religious and military Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem). He revised the legal system of the Ottoman Empire.

Excerpt adapted from the "Suleiman I" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999