How did the death of Suleiman mark a turning point for the Ottomans?

Suleiman's death marked a turning point for the Ottomans as it initiated a period of decline in the empire's power and influence.

Suleiman the Magnificent, who reigned from 1520 to 1566, was the longest-serving Sultan in Ottoman history. His rule is often regarded as the pinnacle of the Ottoman Empire's military, political, and economic power. Suleiman was a skilled military strategist and a patron of the arts and culture, which led to a flourishing of Ottoman culture, law, and architecture during his reign. His death, however, marked the beginning of a long period of decline for the empire.

The decline was primarily due to a series of weak and ineffective sultans who succeeded Suleiman. His son, Selim II, who succeeded him, was more interested in pleasure than in governance or military campaigns. This led to a weakening of the central authority and a gradual erosion of the military and administrative systems that Suleiman had strengthened. The empire's vast territories became increasingly difficult to manage, and corruption and inefficiency became rampant.

Moreover, the empire's economic power began to wane. The discovery of new sea routes to Asia by European powers led to a decline in the importance of the Ottoman-controlled land routes. This, coupled with the increasing military might of European powers, led to a gradual loss of territories and a decrease in the empire's influence.

The death of Suleiman also marked a shift in the empire's succession system. Suleiman had executed his most capable son, Mustafa, out of fear of a coup, and his other son, Bayezid, was killed in a power struggle with his brother Selim. This set a precedent for succession struggles and fratricide, which further destabilised the empire in the years to come.

In conclusion, the death of Suleiman marked a turning point for the Ottomans, initiating a period of decline in the empire's power and influence due to weak leadership, economic challenges, and changes in the succession system.