Orhan

Timeline

1. c. 1281–1324Söğüt–Yenişehir area · Bilecik ProvinceHe grew up in the ghazi tradition as a son of Osman I; he succeeded after Osman I died around 1323/1324 (tradition also gives 1326), continuing to consolidate the beylik's position through Islamic holy war and expansion.
2. 1326–1341Bursa · Bursa ProvinceAfter capturing Bursa in 1326 he made it the capital, building administrative and religious structures there, consolidating control over northwestern Anatolia, and continuing to press the Byzantines and neighboring beyliks.
3. 1341–1354Bursa · Bursa ProvinceIn the late 1340s he coordinated strategy for the Balkans from Bursa, dispatching his sons Süleyman Pasha and Lala Şahin Pasha and other commanders to prepare cross-strait operations; in 1354 Süleyman Pasha exploited the earthquake to capture Gallipoli, establishing the first firm Ottoman foothold on the European continent.