Othman I, also known as Osman I, was the founder and first sultan of the Ottoman Empire. He ruled from 1299 to 1326 and is credited with establishing the empire's foundation and laying the groundwork for its expansion. Othman I is remembered for his military conquests and for creating a centralized administration that allowed the empire to grow and prosper. His reign marked the beginning of the powerful and influential Ottoman Empire, which would eventually become one of the most significant empires in history.