The unlikely roots of the Ottomans are revealed by Rageh Omaar. From nomadic horsemen, in a rural backwater of modern day Turkey, they became rulers of a vast empire spanning three continents. At an incredible speed they came to rule over Baghdad and Cairo in the south, where they controlled the holiest sites of Islam - Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem, and they reached deep into Europe, taking in Sarajevo and threatening the gates of Vienna.

Part two looks at September 12, 1683 when the Austrian defenders had little hope in the face of superior numbers of Ottoman troops besieging Vienna and reinforcements, in the shape of Polish troops, were far away. However, Polish knights managed to break through the Turkish lines and liberate the city. If Vienna had fallen to the seemingly unstoppable Ottoman Empire, would the predominantly Christian Europe we know today be heavily influenced by Islam?

The Janissaries were renowned in the Ottoman Empire for their military skill and loyalty to the sultan. They were respected by Muslims, dreaded by Christians and surpassed by no one.

Ottomans Vs Christians recounts the incredible battle of civilisations in the 16th century between the mighty Ottoman Empire, with its capital in Istanbul, and the Christian empires of Europe led by Spain, Venice, and the Holy League. Shot in glorious high definition on location at the key landmarks of the struggle for dominance of Europe, presenter Julian Davison takes us on a journey back in time to a world of magnificent galleys laden with riches and merciless pirates who prowled the waters, to spectacular battles and bloodied acts of treachery and revenge.

Formerly known as Constantinople, capital of the vast Ottoman Empire, Istanbul provides the inspiration for Floyd's dishes of Bosphorus bass in mint sauce and chicken stuffed with cheese and pistachio nuts. Keith visits the beautiful Blue Mosque in Istanbul and has a Turkish bath.

This series tells the story of the birth and flourishing of civilisation in the Middle East and its huge influence on the West. For crucial phases in world history, the political, economic and cultural centre was the Middle East. From the foundation of science, monotheism, commerce, justice, civil rights and artistic expression - look eastward.