Final answer:
The Ottoman Empire acted as a connection between the rest of Europe and the Silk Roads, controlling trade routes and dominating key ports and seas. Diplomatic relations with European powers also contributed to their role as a connection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ottoman Empire served as a connection between the rest of Europe and other parts of the world, including the Silk Roads that brought silk, spices, and luxury goods from East Asia. They controlled trade routes, Red Sea ports in Egypt, and dominated the Black Sea, which previously belonged to Italian merchants. In addition, the Ottomans had diplomatic relations with European powers who saw them as allies against common enemies.