The Influence of Islam: Similarities and Differences between the Ottoman and Mughal Empires

The Ottoman and Mughal empires both used Islam in their culture, economy, wars, and society. It influenced their art, the way they treated non-Muslims, their motivations for war. It is important to note that both empires were influenced differently by their majority religion. However, both the Ottomans and Mughals were heavily influenced as Islam was a major part of everyday life from the art to the bureaucracy. The Mughal Empire had different origins compared to the Ottoman Empire, especially when it comes to the influence for their creation. The Mughal Empire had no religious motivations when it came to establishing and expanding the empire. Babur only wanted to win back Ferghana, the city he had inherited at twelve years old, only to lose it two years later. He spent several years trying to win his city back but never succeeded. After the disappointing loss that would never allow him to return home, Babur decided to begin building his own empire in Northern India. It is evident that Babur did not have any religious ambitions in establishing the Mughal Empire. However, the Ottoman had clear motivations to create an Islamic Empire with heavy religious inspirations. Once the Ottoman had begun to control Anatolia and the Balkans, they looked towards Constantinople. They knew that they would be able to greatly expand the empire once they captured the city. By 1453 the Ottomans finally captured the city under Mehmed II’s rule. With Constantinople under Ottoman rule, they