Sultan Selim I (1470–1520), also known as Selim the Grim, was the ninth Ottoman Sultan, reigning from 1512 to 1520. His reign, though short, was highly transformative, as he expanded the Ottoman Empire’s territory significantly. Selim I is best known for his conquests in the Middle East, defeating the Mamluks and bringing Egypt, Syria, and the Hijaz (including the holy cities of Mecca and Medina) under Ottoman control, making the Ottomans the guardians of the Islamic world. He also secured the Caliphate for the Ottoman sultans, a title that would remain with the Ottoman rulers for centuries.
In 1514, Selim I famously defeated Shah Ismail I of the Safavid Empire at the Battle of Chaldiran, dealing a significant blow to the Safavids and solidifying Ottoman dominance over Anatolia. The Safavid Empire, under Shah Ismail, was a powerful Shi’a state in Persia and a key rival to the Sunni Ottomans during Selim’s reign.
Learn more about Sultan Selim I by going through the Presentation below, reading the Notes, watching the Video and attempting the Assignment.
Videos:
The Safavids vs Selim and the Battle of Chaldiran 1514 (watch from 9:22 onwards)
Alaq Academy 