Among all the Beglerbegs, five held the special and honorable title of Vizier, a word that means counsellor or chief advisor. These offices were considered the most powerful and prestigious in the Ottoman Empire. The five Pashas who held this rank were the Pashas of Anatolia, Babylon (Baghdad), Cairo, Romania (Rumelia), and Buda.
These governments were the richest and strongest provinces of the empire. They controlled large lands, collected great revenues, and commanded many soldiers. Because of this, their governors enjoyed great fame and authority, and their offices were often sought by ambitious men who wished to rise high in the service of the Sultan.
The remaining Beglerbegs did not carry the title of Vizier. Their rank and honor were determined by other factors, such as how early their provinces were conquered by the Ottomans and how long those lands had remained under Ottoman control. In this way, antiquity of possession and priority of conquest decided their position within the imperial hierarchy Customized Tours Istanbul.
The Principal Officers of Each Government
In every major government of the empire, there were three principal officers who assisted the Pasha in ruling the province. These officers were always present and played an essential role in administration.
The first was the Mufti, who was responsible for religious law and legal opinions. He advised the Pasha on matters concerning Islamic law and ensured that decisions were made according to accepted religious principles.
The second officer was the Reis Efendi, also called the Reis Kitab. He acted as Secretary of State and Chancellor combined. His duties included managing official correspondence, preparing documents, and keeping records of government decisions. He was a key figure in both civil administration and diplomacy.
The third officer was the Tefterdar Pasha, or Lord Treasurer. He managed the finances of the province, supervised the collection of taxes, and controlled public spending. Without his approval, no major financial decision could be made.
Their Relationship to the Grand Vizier
These three officers were not only assistants to their local Pasha, but also attendants and counsellors to the Prime Vizier. The Mufti, Reis Efendi, and Tefterdar who served under the Prime Vizier held higher rank and dignity than those in the provinces.
They were considered the original authority, while the provincial officers were seen as copies or extensions of their power. Through this system, the Ottoman Empire maintained order, unity, and control, ensuring that laws, finances, and administration followed the same principles throughout the empire.
This structure shows how carefully the Ottoman government organized its provinces. By combining military power, religious authority, and financial control, the empire ensured stability and strong central rule across its vast territories.