How the Ottoman Empire Shaped the Modern Middle East br For over 600 years, the Ottoman Empire ruled vast territories across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, leaving a lasting impact on politics, culture, and society. From modern borders to legal systems and infrastructure, the empire’s influence is still visible today. br br But how did Ottoman rule shape the modern Middle East? From administrative divisions to trade networks and cultural exchanges, the empire laid the foundation for the region’s current geopolitical landscape.