Introduction
Students have read that Suleiman I was a multi-talented man—a heroic military commander, skillful administrator, and patron of the arts. He acted both as sultan, or political ruler, and caliph, or religious leader. During his rule, the Ottoman Empire was a formidable force.

Lesson Description
Students will go to the Suleiman I Web site. They will then answer four questions about what they have read.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will learn more about the life of Suleiman I.
2. Students will learn about the military successes and alliances of Suleiman I.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. Suleyman was named after Solomon in Hebrew history, whom Muslims hold up as an example of a just ruler. He was also known as “the Magnificent” in Europe and “the Lawgiver” in the Islamic world.
2. Suleyman wanted to help prevent the Holy Roman Empire from dominating Europe and thus threatening the Ottoman Empire.
3. By 1538 the Ottomans controlled the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. In this way they controlled all trade routes, whether by land or sea, from western Asia to India.
4. Some students may feel he deserved the title because he was skillful at fulfilling his role as a military, political, and religious leader; that is, he strengthened the power of his empire. In the process, he formed alliances and used warfare to expand the borders of his realm. Others may feel that it is possible to be a good leader without constantly sacrificing lives to win more power.

Go To Student Web Activity