1596

Mehmed III sets out on his Egri expedition. At Haçova/Mezsökeresztes, the sipahis break and run on the first two days of the battle, which is regained with great difficulty on the third day; nevertheless, it is clear that the Ottoman military system is in crisis, and that the preeminence of the provincial cavalry is over.

1606

Treaty with Austria gives Hapsburg Emperor titular equality.

1607

The high tide of the Celali uprisings, rebellions against the land tenure system of the provincial fief-holding cavalry. This turn-of-the-century upheaval marks the end of the Classical Age and the opening pf a new chapter in Ottoman history characterized by the waning of the state's political and military fortunes.

1607

Virginia colonised.

1609

Work begins on the Blue Mosque.

1618-1648

Thirty Years' War' in central Europe.

1622

Osman II the Young, the first Ottoman sultan to formulate a reform program (and to lose his head for it), sets out on his Hotin expedition - essentially to overcome the developing crisis of confidence and to re-establish charismatic leadership over the army.

1623-1640

Murad IV restores order.

1638

Murad IV, who succeeded by imposing his unusually harsh will to halt progressive anarchy and destabilization, sets out on his great expedition to the East. His journey culminates in the capture of Baghdad. He is the last great centralizing sultan.