Ming and Ottoman Empires
World power can be seen today in two very different but extremely vast empires. They are the Ming Empire and the Ottoman Empire. To contrast these empires in order to predict their futures, it is necessary that I observe and analyze key factors such as leadership, military strengths and weaknesses, and morals among the people. The two empires have different types of leadership, and from this it is possible to find the core of any disadvantage. From the leadership, it is possible to continue into the military and values that these empires embody. The Ming Empire is led by brilliant philosophical scholars, "The man who is promoted to the higher degrees in this field prides himself on the fact that he has in truth attained to the pinnacle of Chinese happiness" (Andrea/Overfield 116). The Ottoman Empire has dedicated and knowledgeable leaders as well, but they are of a more warlike and brutish character. "These leaders rise in service by merit alone" (Andrea/Overfield p.88). Indulging in the writings of Matteo Ricci, who observed first hand the workings of the Ming government, and the writings of Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq, who observed the government under Sule
De Busbecq also wrote extensively about the military strengths of the Ottoman. The soldiers of the Ottoman army are well trained and experienced in the arts of warfare and survival. The distances they must travel are so great, that the soldiers often have to carry a pack horse "on which they carry many of the necessaries of life" (Andrea/Overfield 89). The weapon that was affluent and extremely effective among the soldiers is the Turkish bow. "From the eighth, or even the seventh year of age they begin to shoot at a mark, and practice archery ten or twelve years. This constant exercise strengthens the muscles of their arms, and gives them such skill that they can hit the smallest marks with their arrows" (Andrea/Overfield p.89). The great riches and skilled military forces have served this Empire well to this day. The Turks also showed very little ignorance towards new advancements in technology originated in other parts of the world. "There is no nation that has shown greater readiness than the Turks to avail themselves of the useful inventions of foreigners, as is proved by their employment of cannons and mortars, and many other things invented by Christians" (Andrea/Overfield p.89). These open-minded and innovative new ways of becoming a powerful country greatly impressed De Busbecq. It is true that no empire is without flaw, and the Ottoman is no exception. iman I of the Ottoman Empire, the prediction of success will be able to be made knowledgably. The Ming Empire is a more peaceful and organized society than the Ottoman, but after studying the two empires, it is a prediction that they will fall before the Turks. However less moral and warlike, the Ottoman Empire's openness to new ideas and inventions could be the difference in their future, come the next century. More advanced in mathematics and sciences, as well as their advancements in war overshadow their weaknesses, such as the refusal to turn to guns, and the lawless way their leaders are able to operate. The Ming have not shown to be as savvy in war, and their polite but closed-minded empire is one that gives a critic ease in thinking that this type of empire will eventually demise. The Ming Empire also entrust only the brightest to lead and counsel. Philosophy is the major road to success in the Ming Empire; therefore other aspects of knowledge may disinterest them. "In China it is obvious that no one will labor to obtain proficiency in mathematics or in medicine who has any hope of becoming prominent in the field of philosophy" (Andrea/Overfield 116). Heredity is not what makes a leader in China. All leaders, be it a ph
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Approximate Word count = 1770
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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