Final answer:
The Ottomans maintained power through conquest, socioeconomic reforms, and administrative innovations, alongside investing in military and bureaucratic modernization.
Step-by-step explanation:
One way the Ottomans gained, consolidated, and maintained power was through the strategic use of military conquests, socio-economic reforms, and administrative innovations. Military conquests brought fresh wealth and new subjects into the empire, which often led to enhanced economic prosperity.
During the reign of Sultan Suleiman I in the 16th century, the Ottoman military was highly advanced and pushed the empire's boundaries to impressive extents. By placing a strong focus on the economy, the state could strengthen the army and enrich the ruling class while also engaging in construction projects like roads, canals, and mosques that spurred further economic development.
Moreover, the Ottomans provided timars, or the right to collect taxes, to members of the military and administrative elite, fostering loyalty and ensuring efficient tax revenue for the empire. To remain a significant power against adversaries like the Safavids and European states, the Ottomans also invested in learning from these regions and modernized their military and bureaucracy, which allowed the empire to sustain itself well into the 20th century.