Osmanen

Osmanen is a term that appears in German-language contexts with several different meanings. Historically, it relates to the Ottoman Empire and its people. In this sense, it is associated with the dynasty founded by Osman I in the 13th century and with the broader cultural and political sphere of the Ottoman state. In scholarly and cultural writing, Osmanen or Osmanlılar may be used to describe the Ottomans or aspects of their civilization, though terminology can vary by author and period.

In contemporary usage, the term has also become connected to Turkish nationalist groups in Europe. The most frequently cited association is with the network known as Osmanen Germania RC, a Turkish-German nationalist organization that has been described by some authorities and media as an organized crime group or as part of a broader nationalist milieu. The group and related entities have figured in law-enforcement investigations and public discussions about political violence and criminal activity. It is important to note that references to Osmanen do not denote a single, unified organization; rather, they point to a set of groups and individuals sharing a general nationalist orientation, with varying structures, aims, and activities.

Because the term Osmanen can refer to historical Ottomans as well as to distinct modern groups, its interpretation depends on context. In historical discussions, it denotes the Ottoman world; in contemporary reporting, it may indicate Turkish nationalist circles or specific organizations that have attracted police attention.