1300 CE - 1922 CE. The Ottoman Empire was one of the longest-lasting empires in history, bridging Europe and Asia for over six centuries. It was a time of great cultural exchange, with influences from the Byzantine, Persian, and Islamic worlds shaping its mythology and folklore.Mythological creatures like the Simurgh, a benevolent bird from Persian mythology, and djinn, supernatural beings mentioned in Islamic texts, were commonly featured in stories and art. These beings often represented the struggle between good and evil.