Othman I

9.9

A Turkish leader who started the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey in the late 1200s

proper noun

: Otomano I

Othman I is credited with founding the Ottoman Empire in the late 13th century.

Examples

Othman I is credited with founding the Ottoman Empire, which grew to rule much of the Middle East and Europe.
The empire was founded by Othman I in the late 13th century.
Many historians consider Othman I's leadership style instrumental in uniting the Turkish tribes.
The reign of Othman I marked the beginning of centuries of Ottoman dominance.
Did Othman I establish the Ottoman Empire?
Historians regard Othman I as the key figure behind the establishment of the Ottoman state.
Under the leadership of Othman I, the Ottoman Empire began its expansion across Asia Minor.

Synonyms

Osman I

vsOthman I

1 9.0

A leader who founded the Ottoman Empire and began its rule in 1299

is the same person but named using a different historical spelling

Surface Forms

Othman I main

Morphology

Othman + I

This is a proper name with a regnal numeral; the referent (the founder of the Ottoman Empire) is a historical identity that cannot be derived from the parts. Knowing the constituents — a personal name and 'I' (a numeral or pronoun) — does not communicate the role or historical information, so the expression is not compositional for learners.

Etymology

Othman I is the English form of the Turkish leader Osman, who started the ruling family and a small state that grew into a large empire. The word 'Ottoman' comes from his name, so the empire was named after him and that link helps you remember his importance.