The Ottomans were a strong trading empire
through the mid-160os because they
(1) controlled access to the eastern Mediterranean
Sea
(2) had the most powerful navy in the world
(3) dominated West African caravan routes
(4) conquered most of Asia
The Ottomans were a strong trading empire through the mid-160os because they "(1) controlled access to the eastern Mediterranean Sea" although it should be noted that there were other factors.
