ottoman

Everyday

1. (history) The Ottoman Empire was a large, long-lasting empire ruled by Turkish sultans from Istanbul, covering Turkey and lands in south-east Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. tree →
2. Ottoman means of or about that empire; «the Ottomans» are its rulers and people. tree →
3. An ottoman (small o) is a low, padded seat or footstool, often with a lid and storage space inside. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons pupils learn about the Ottomans capturing Constantinople (renaming it Istanbul), the sultans, the Topkapı Palace, coffee houses, and the empire's end after the First World War, when modern Turkey and other countries were formed. In everyday life an ottoman is a piece of furniture in a living room or bedroom.

Examples

• The Ottoman Empire was ruled by sultans. tree →
• The Ottomans made Istanbul their capital. tree →
• Ottoman armies once reached Vienna. tree →
• The Ottoman Empire ended after the First World War. tree →
• Put your feet up on the ottoman. tree →
• We keep the spare blankets inside the ottoman. tree →
• Ottoman palaces were decorated with beautiful tiles. tree →

Note

Capital O for the empire and people; small o for the furniture. Plural «ottomans». The name comes from Osman, the founder of the ruling family.