Who was responsible for the establishment of the Ottoman Empire?

The establishment of the Ottoman Empire is attributed to Osman I, who was the founder and first leader of the dynasty that would rule the empire from its inception in the late 13th century until its dissolution in the early 20th century. Osman I united various Turkish tribes and expanded his territory in northwestern Anatolia, laying the groundwork for the future empire. His leadership and military tactics allowed the Ottomans to seize key cities and expand their influence significantly.

Mehmed II, known for his conquest of Constantinople in 1453, was instrumental in expanding the empire and solidifying its status, but he did not found it. Suleiman the Magnificent represented the height of the empire's territorial expansion and cultural achievements in the 16th century, while Selim I is noted for further expanding the empire into the Middle East. However, it was Osman I who initiated the series of events that led to the establishment of what would become one of the most powerful empires in history.