Osman, also known as Osman I, was the founder of the Ottoman Empire, which emerged in the late 13th century. He established a small principality in northwestern Anatolia, which gradually expanded under his leadership. Osman is often credited with uniting various tribes and laying the groundwork for a powerful state. The name "Osman" is significant in Turkish history, as it represents the beginning of a dynasty that lasted for over six centuries. The empire reached its peak under later rulers, but Osman's legacy remains vital in understanding the origins of the Ottoman Empire and its influence on European and Middle Eastern history.