The
state of the
Ottomans which began as part of the
Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate and became an independent
Empire, has been known historically by different names at different periods and in various languages. This page surveys the history of these names and their usage.
The first declaration of statehood happened under Osman I.
With the conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453, the Ottoman State officially became an Empire.
In diplomatic circles, the Ottoman government was often referred to as the "Sublime Porte", a literal translation of the Ottoman Turkish Bâb-i Âlî, which was the only gate of the imperial Topkapi Palace that was open to foreigners, and where the Sultan, Grand Vizier or Viziers greeted the ambassadors.
