Crossword Genius

Ten areas used to describe the Ottoman Empire (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

near east

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'describe the ottoman empire' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'ten areas used' is the wordplay.
'used' is an anagram indicator.
'ten'+'areas'='tenareas'
'tenareas' anagrammed gives 'NEAR EAST'.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for near east that I've seen before include "The Levant" , "The Balkans and Turkey" , "group of countries" , "Western Asian states formerly" , "where communities are often in conflict" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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