h. Turks [AOK6H]

Explore the history and civilization attributes of the Turks in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Learn about their unique bonuses, technology tree, and military strengths.

The name Turk refers to two different Muslim groups of the Middle East: the Seljuks and the Ottomans. The Seljuks, nomads from the steppes near the Caspian Sea, converted to Islam around the tenth century and became mercenaries for the Islamic army of the caliph of Baghdad. They converted to the Sunni branch of Islam and by 1055 became the real power behind the caliph, taking the title sultan. By 1100, they controlled most of Anatolia, Palestine, the lands surrounding the Persian Gulf, the holy cities of Arabia, and as far east as Samarkand. In 1071, the Seljuks defeated a Byzantine army at Malazgirt, leading to Turkish occupation of most of Anatolia and the capture of Jerusalem. These events prompted the Crusades. The Seljuk Turks were worn down by wars with the Crusaders and the Assassins, and internally by Sufi mysticism. They were then attacked by the Mongols, leading to the collapse of their empire in 1258.

Islamic peoples from Anatolia unified in the early fourteenth century under Sultan Osman I, taking the name Osmanli, or Ottomans. The Ottomans swore a jihad against the crumbling Byzantine Empire, expanding into the Balkans and defeating the Serbs in 1389 and a Hungarian army in 1396. Their progress was temporarily halted by Tamerlane, but they recovered. Sultan Mehmed II captured Constantinople on May 29, 1453, with 15,000 Janissaries leading the assault after an eight-week bombardment by 70 guns. The Ottomans pushed into Europe, but were stopped at Belgrade in 1456 and repulsed at Vienna in 1529 and 1683. At its peak in the sixteenth century, the Ottoman Empire stretched from Budapest and Odessa to Greece, the Balkans, Asia Minor, the Levant, Arabia, Egypt, and most of North Africa. It remained a significant world power until World War I.

The civilization known as the Turks in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has several unique attributes. All gunpowder units train 20% faster, which is significant in Deathmatch but less so if starting in the Dark Age. Gunpowder units also have 50% more HP, and all gunpowder-related technologies cost 50% less. Chemistry is free. Gold Miners work 15% faster, providing an early game economic bonus for funding gunpowder warfare. Free Light Cavalry upgrades are also provided.

In terms of their technology tree, the Turks have a lacking Archer department, with Archers and Crossbowmen available but no Arbalests. The Skirmisher unit is only available in its original form, with no Elite Skirmisher upgrade. The Hand Cannonneer is tougher with 50% more HP, but this is a minor bonus given their low base HP. Cavalry Archers and Heavy Cavalry Archers are available, and all Archer upgrades are present. The Turks have access to all five mainstream infantry units: Militia, Men at Arms, Long Swordsmen, Two Handed Swordsmen, and Champions. However, their anti-cavalry line is weak, with only Spearmen available and no Pikemen.