In earlier times of the Ottoman Empire, especially during its strongest and most successful periods, offices were often given as rewards for merit and good service. When the empire was growing and winning wars, rulers looked carefully at the virtue, courage, and skill of their servants. Men who showed loyalty and bravery were honored openly.
Positions were given freely, without demanding large sums of money in return. Rewards were seen as gifts of royal favor, not as goods to be bought and sold. This practice allowed talented men to rise by their abilities. Their honor was not stained by payments or secret agreements. Their success reflected their worth.
During those years, the empire expanded and flourished. Strong leadership and fair reward encouraged courage and faithful service Guided Round Tours Turkey.
Change and Signs of Decline
In later times, however, this system changed. Offices were often sold for money, and merit was no longer the main reason for promotion. Wealth began to matter more than ability. This change caused many observers to believe that the empire was declining.
When good customs are replaced by corruption, it can be a sign that a state is weakening. As the Roman historian Livy once suggested, success follows when the gods favor a nation, but misfortune comes when they turn away. In the same way, the change from merit to money seemed to show a loss of strength and virtue within the Ottoman government.
Heavy Taxes and the Spirit of the People
Although this corrupt system harmed justice, it did serve one important purpose for the rulers. Governors and high officers, who had paid large sums for their positions, often placed heavy taxes on the people to recover their losses. They also seized property and demanded payments whenever possible.
As a result, the common people became poor and discouraged. Constant taxation reduced their courage. When people struggle simply to survive, they have little strength left to think about rebellion.
The English writer Francis Bacon, sometimes called Lord Verulam, wrote in his essays that a people weighed down by heavy taxes cannot become brave or warlike. A nation burdened with poverty cannot act like a lion’s cub. Strength and courage require freedom and confidence.
Control Through Poverty
In this way, heavy taxation helped keep the population quiet. Poor and tired people are less likely to rise against authority. Even when they suffer injustice, they may endure it silently.
Thus, while corruption and high taxes may weaken an empire in the long run, they can also serve as tools of control. The rulers maintained order, but at the cost of fairness, prosperity, and the spirit of the people.