Ottoman-Sean-SocioPolitical-ResearchNotes

__ Research Summary : The Ottoman Empire __ // By Sean Hayes //



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• Sultan was the hierarchal leader [|(Columbia Encyclopedia)] • The sultan also held the title of Caliph ( leader of Muslims) [|(All About Turkey)] • The Sultan held the most power, but exercised little of it [|(Columbia Encyclopedia)] • The sultan was also responsible to make sure that local courts and councils operated to his liking • Eventually a secret service agency was formed to do this responsibility for him • Occasionally if the sultan could not perform his duties he would be deposed • Day-to-day affairs were controlled by the Grand Vizier ( comparable to a modern day Prime Minister) • The vacant seat of a sultan was contested by all heirs, the winning heir would execute the unsuccessful ( including siblings) to “ensure peace” • Regional governors ( Pashas) bought their positions for a large sum of money, this form of corruption was common • The Empire was generally tolerant of minorities (Christians, Jews, Armenians etc.) • Minorities were often organized in “millets” (communities composed of a minority group given limited powers such as right of worship) • The Dershirme system was introduced in the 14th century and its purpose was produce members for the Sultan’s own solders ( Janissaries) • A millet (usually Slavic) would be forced to give up 20 % of its men to be converted to Islam and trained as a part of the Janissaries • Many consider this a form of privileged slavery • Janissaries could hold high bureaucratic positions and formed a part of the empire’s elite • This practice was abolished in the early 18th century • Wives, mothers and grandmothers often ruled in place of the Sultan when he was either too young or mentally unstable Back to Research Summary Back to Golden Age to Fall Back to Intro Back to Home