The Ottoman Empire was a powerful state that emerged in the late 13th century. Its conquests began in the 14th century, expanding into the Balkans, Middle East, and North Africa. The Ottomans utilized advanced military strategies and technology, including gunpowder, to capture key cities and territories. One of the most significant events was the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, when the Ottomans, led by Sultan Mehmed II, conquered the capital of the Byzantine Empire. This victory marked the end of Byzantine rule and established Istanbul as the new capital of the Ottoman Empire, solidifying its dominance in the region.