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Ottoman Empire vs Mughal Empire

At its height the Ottoman Empire (about 5.2 million km² in 1683) was about a quarter larger than the Mughal Empire (about 4.0 million km² in 1690). The Ottoman Empire lasted about 623 years (1299 to 1922), the Mughal Empire about 331 (1526 to 1857). They existed side by side from 1526 to 1857.

Ottoman EmpireMughal Empire
Began12991526
Ended19221857
Lastedabout 623 yearsabout 331 years
Largest extentabout 5.2 million km² (1683)about 4.0 million km² (1690)
Share of the world’s land3.5%2.7%
CapitalConstantinople (Istanbul)Agra, later Delhi

Ottoman Empire

Founded by Osman I around 1299, it took Constantinople in 1453 and for centuries ruled southeastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, until the sultanate was abolished in 1922.

Began 1299: Osman I founds the state in northwestern Anatolia. Ended 1922: the sultanate is abolished.

On the history map: World map in 1300 CE, World map in 1715 CE, World map in 1920 CE

Ottoman Empire on Wikipedia

Mughal Empire

Founded by Babur after the battle of Panipat in 1526, it ruled most of the Indian subcontinent under Akbar and Aurangzeb, until the British deposed the last emperor in 1857.

Began 1526: Babur wins the first battle of Panipat. Ended 1857: the British depose the last emperor.

On the history map: World map in 1530 CE, World map in 1715 CE, World map in 1815 CE

Mughal Empire on Wikipedia

More comparisons

Compare empires · The interactive history atlas

Largest extents are the widely cited estimates by Rein Taagepera and others, as listed in Wikipedia’s List of largest empires. Dates are the conventional ones; several are debated. Shares are of the world’s land area, about 148.9 million km².