One of the longest-lasting and most powerful states in world history was the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans started as a small beylik in the late 13th century in northwestern Anatolia, near the Byzantine border. This beylik was called the “Ottoman Beylik”.
The founder of the dynasty, Osman Ghazi, was initially a border bey within the Seljuk state. Later, he grew stronger in the region and established an independent state. The state, founded in 1299, gradually strengthened and incorporated the Balkans, the Middle East, parts of North Africa, and some regions of the Caucasus.
Although the throne of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled for 623 years and once dominated three continents, was overthrown in 1922, the heirs of the dynasty continue their lives in various countries around the world today. The Ottoman family, who went into exile from the palaces, now mainly lives in Europe and the USA.
It should be noted that after the abolition of the Caliphate in the Republic of Turkey in 1924, all members of the Ottoman dynasty were expelled from the country. Family members, who lived away from their homeland for decades, gradually gained the opportunity to return only from the second half of the 20th century.
Where are the Ottoman heirs today?
Modern.az reports that the current representatives of the dynasty are known by the surname “Osmanoğlu” and mainly live in France, the USA, and Turkey. Some members of the family are engaged in business and social activities.
For example, Dündar Abdülkerim Osmanoğlu, one of the last heirs to the Ottoman throne, lived in Syria and Europe for many years, and then returned to Turkey. He is considered one of the symbolic leaders of the family.
Another heir, Orhan Osmanoğlu, lives in Turkey and appears in media and public events from time to time.
Most of the Ottoman heirs present themselves as “carriers of historical heritage”. Family members are mostly involved in cultural, historical, and memorial projects.
Today's Osmanoğulları are far from palace life. Some live ordinary working lives, while others are active in business. Nevertheless, the identity of “heir to the Ottoman dynasty” still brings them special public interest.
