Read the description of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire was an important Islamic empire that lasted from 1299 to 1923. It was known as a "gunpowder empire" because it used advanced military weapons to build and maintain its influence. At the height of its power, it covered much of southeastern Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa. It included a powerful central government, state-run educational and judicial systems, and a strong and ruthless military that used slaves as the basis for its manpower. It became powerful in part because of its geographic position at the center of trade between Europe and Asia.

In a three-paragraph response, explain how a historian might use each of the organizing principles of region, period, and theme to construct a historical narrative of the Ottoman Empire. What questions might the historian ask? What is one value and one potential limitation of each approach? Be sure to clearly develop and organize your ideas.