Contrasting the rise of Islam in the first Caliphate to the final Islamic empire, encompassed in the Ottomans, shows many parallels while not being completely homogeneous. Both dominions grew through military conquest and both were ultimately unable to maintain central control of their outskirts, a consequence of inefficient delegation. They showed “tolerance” to non-Muslims through inequality under the law, higher taxes, and slavery. Many positions within their military and government structures were filled by non-Muslims slaves; including elevated positions not often associated with slavery. Finally, both capitulated to outside military force, the former from the East and the latter from the West. Contrariwise, the Ottomans had tactical advantages
