Sultan Murad I was the third ruler of the Ottoman Empire, reigning from 1362 to 1389. He is known for expanding the empire significantly, particularly in the Balkans, where he captured key territories such as Thessaloniki and Sofia. His military campaigns helped establish the Ottomans as a dominant power in southeastern Europe. Murad I also implemented important administrative reforms, strengthening the central government and improving tax collection. He is credited with establishing the Janissary corps, an elite military unit that played a crucial role in the empire's future successes. His reign laid the groundwork for the continued expansion of the Ottoman Empire.