Which empire controlled a vast region including Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa from the 14th to the early 20th century?

The Ottoman Empire is recognized for its extensive control over a diverse range of territories that included Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa from the 14th century until the early 20th century. Founded around the end of the 13th century, the Ottomans expanded their reach through military conquests and strategic marriages, establishing a complex administrative structure.

At its height, the empire spanned regions that included important cities like Constantinople (now Istanbul), Cairo, and Budapest. The Ottomans were known for their sophisticated governance, which allowed them to manage various cultures and religions within their borders. This blend of different ethnic groups and practices contributed to a vibrant, albeit sometimes tumultuous, society marked by significant achievements in art, architecture, and science.

The Byzantine Empire, which preceded the Ottoman Empire in much of Southeast Europe, had largely succumbed to Ottoman expansion, particularly after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The Mughal Empire dominated the Indian subcontinent, while the Safavid Empire was primarily centered in Persia. These different empires did not exercise the same reach or control across the regions that the Ottomans did. Thus, the characterization of the Ottoman Empire as the ruler of a vast region spanning these areas is