The formation of the Ottoman Empire is attributed to Osman I, who founded the dynasty in the late 13th century. His leadership marked the beginning of a state that expanded significantly over the centuries, reaching its zenith in the 16th and 17th centuries under Suleiman the Magnificent. Osman's successors continued to build upon his legacy, establishing a vast territory spanning Europe, Asia, and Africa. The empire was characterized by its diverse cultural and religious integration, and it played a vital role in shaping the geopolitics of its era, influencing trade, culture, and military strategies across regions.