“The Ottoman Empire made limited changes to the Islamic world.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the Ottoman Empire made limited changes to the Islamic world. The results may extend beyond the timeframe, but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the Ottomans’ continuation of the policies of their predecessors: maintaining and expanding the Islamic world, organizing the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina and continuing support for the Sunni orthodoxy. They did not make extensive changes to government in the Empire, but collected taxes and allowed local authorities to rule, provided they supported Ottoman policies and demonstrated loyalty to the Empire. They did make cultural changes in architecture and the promotion of the Arabic language in poetry and literature. They also developed trade, diplomatic relations and alliances with the West. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be clearly presented and supported by appropriate evidence.