OCR A Level History A
Y309/01 The Ascendancy of
the Ottoman Empire 1453–
1606 Question paper &
Marking Scheme A+ May
2025
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Friday 23 May 2025 – Morning
A Level History A
Y309/01 The Ascendancy of the Ottoman Empire 1453–1606
Time allowed: 2 hours 30 minutes
You must have:
• the OCR 12-page Answer Booklet
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers must be
clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Answer the question in Section A and any two questions in Section B.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 80.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 4 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
, 2
Section A
Read the two passages and answer Question 1.
1 Evaluate the interpretations in both of the two passages.
Explain which you think is more convincing as an explanation of the consequences of the battle of
Lepanto for the Ottomans. [30]
Passage A
Passage B
© Roger Crowley, Empires of the Sea, p 285, 288-92, Faber & Faber, 2008. From first line "[Lepanto] was a scene of staggering devastation," to last line "It had recognised the importance of consolidating its victory, but prov ed unable to do so." Item removed due to additional party third party copyright re
© OCR 2025 Y309/01 Jun25
, 3
Section B
Answer two questions.
2* ‘Ottoman expansion in the Balkans was more successful than in the Mediterranean.’
How far do you agree with this view of the period from 1453 to 1606? [25]
3* To what extent did the principles of Ottoman conquest remain the same throughout the period from
1453 to 1606? [25]
4* How serious was the Ottoman threat to the Austrian Habsburgs throughout the period from 1453 to
1606? [25]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y309/01 Jun25
Y309/01 The Ascendancy of
the Ottoman Empire 1453–
1606 Question paper &
Marking Scheme A+ May
2025
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Friday 23 May 2025 – Morning
A Level History A
Y309/01 The Ascendancy of the Ottoman Empire 1453–1606
Time allowed: 2 hours 30 minutes
You must have:
• the OCR 12-page Answer Booklet
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers must be
clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Answer the question in Section A and any two questions in Section B.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 80.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 4 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
, 2
Section A
Read the two passages and answer Question 1.
1 Evaluate the interpretations in both of the two passages.
Explain which you think is more convincing as an explanation of the consequences of the battle of
Lepanto for the Ottomans. [30]
Passage A
Passage B
© Roger Crowley, Empires of the Sea, p 285, 288-92, Faber & Faber, 2008. From first line "[Lepanto] was a scene of staggering devastation," to last line "It had recognised the importance of consolidating its victory, but prov ed unable to do so." Item removed due to additional party third party copyright re
© OCR 2025 Y309/01 Jun25
, 3
Section B
Answer two questions.
2* ‘Ottoman expansion in the Balkans was more successful than in the Mediterranean.’
How far do you agree with this view of the period from 1453 to 1606? [25]
3* To what extent did the principles of Ottoman conquest remain the same throughout the period from
1453 to 1606? [25]
4* How serious was the Ottoman threat to the Austrian Habsburgs throughout the period from 1453 to
1606? [25]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y309/01 Jun25
