Word Study: Ottoman

Briefly, "Ottoman" is defined as "a Turk, especially a member of the family or tribe of Osman I; of or relating to the Ottoman Empire or its people, language or culture; Turkish." But if we were to explore that a little bit . . .

The Ottoman Empire began its powerful legacy in 1299 and was finally dissolved in 1922, when its remaining state, Turkey, declared a Republic. It once spanned three continents, and for six hundred years, it was where "east met west" in all manner of public relations. It was the "Islamic successor" to the Byzantine Empire, and I would highly recommend reading a book about its long and illustrious history! 

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Ottoman

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottoman_Empire