Osman

Osman (`Ushan), the usual form of the Arabic name ' Othman, as representing the Turkish and Persian pronunciation of the name. It is used, therefore, for (1) the founder of the Osmanli or Ottoman dynasty, Osman I., who took the title of sultan, ruled in Asia Minor, and died in 1326, and (2) the sixteenth sultan Osman II., who reigned1616-1621(see Turkey: History). For the third Mahommedan caliph see Othman and Caliphate.