How did the Ottoman Empire gain power

Answer 1

The Ottoman Empire gained land through conquering, but was able to keep control through its tolerant policies. As long as subjects paid a tax (jizya) they were allowed to practice whatever religion was of their liking, giving more freedom than other empires at the time. It's political structure was also set up that individual Pasha's controlled territories and reported back to the Sultan ensuring that there was a centralized power dynamic no matter how large the Ottoman Empire grew. The placement of their empire also gave the Ottomans access to Asia, Africa, and Europe, meaning they were a large trading nation and controlled much of the land that links the three continents.