Final answer:
The concept of 'gunpowder empires' refers to the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires, which used gunpowder and cannons to establish large empires and exerted significant influence over economic and cultural matters for over two centuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "gunpowder empires" is used to describe the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires which established large domains through the use of gunpowder, cannons, and armed trade. These empires coordinated their political, economic, and cultural resources to strengthen their military forces and internal and external security. This militaristic approach, combined with their technological advancements in firearms, led to over two centuries of predominant power, wealth, and significant cultural contributions in art, architecture, and literature. Their advancements in military technology, notably firearms and cannons which were innovated from Chinese gunpowder, changed the nature of warfare and societal organization, marking a significant period in global history.