Absolute Rule as the Strength of the Empire
The absolute authority of the emperor is one of the greatest supports of the Turkish Empire. As explained before, the Turks first established their government on principles best suited to military discipline. From the beginning, their society was formed in war, obedience, and conquest. Because of this, their generals and princes—whose will and desires the people served—became absolute masters of the lives and property of their subjects Sofia Walking Tour.
Whatever the soldiers gained by the sword, through labor, danger, and suffering, did not belong to them personally. Instead, all that was conquered was considered the rightful possession of their great master, the emperor. In this system, service in war did not lead to personal ownership, but to increased power and wealth for the ruler alone.
Vast Lands Under One Authority
The greatness of the empire is shown in the immense lands it controls. The fertile fields of Asia, the pleasant plains of Tempe and Thrace, the rich and productive lands of Egypt fed by the Nile, and the luxury of Corinth all fall under the authority of one ruler. The resources of the Peloponnese, Athens, Lemnos, Chios, and Mytilene, along with many other islands of the Aegean Sea, are also included.
In addition, the spices of Arabia, the wealth of large parts of Persia, all of Armenia, and the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Bithynia, Phrygia, Lycia, Pamphylia, Palestine, Coele-Syria, and Phoenicia belong to the empire. Colchis and much of Georgia are also under its control.
Beyond these regions, the tributary principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia, as well as Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and the best parts of Hungary, all contribute to the power and wealth of the state.
All Wealth Centered in One Person
All these lands and resources exist to satisfy the authority and needs of a single person. Across this vast territory, the lands, houses, castles, weapons, and fortresses are not considered private property. Instead, they are viewed as the personal possessions of the grand ruler.
The people may live on the land and work it, but they do so at the emperor’s pleasure. Their rights are not protected by law but depend entirely on his favor. Wealth, position, and security come only through obedience.
Absolute Power as a Political Principle
This concentration of property and power strengthens the empire by preventing division and rivalry among nobles. Because no subject truly owns land or authority, none can easily challenge the throne. In this way, absolute rule becomes the central principle that holds the empire together and preserves its unity.
For the Turkish state, the emperor’s absolute power is not only a form of government but the foundation of its strength and survival.