The Ottoman Empire controlled large parts of North Africa and the Middle East before World War I. At its height, the empire stretched across three continents, encompassing territories in Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. The Ottomans governed diverse populations, integrating various cultures and religions into their extensive empire. However, the empire began to decline in the 19th century, facing internal strife and external pressures, culminating in its dismantling after World War I. The empire's collapse led to significant geopolitical changes in the region, paving the way for the establishment of modern nation-states.