In the Ottoman system, the first concern was always the power of the ruler, known as the Grand Signior, or Sultan. The government was arranged in a way that protected the strength and safety of the Emperor before the comfort or welfare of the common people. The main goal of the system was to keep the Sultan’s authority strong and unquestioned.
The Sultan showed his power most clearly by giving and taking away his favor. He could raise a man to high office, give him wealth and honor, and then remove him just as quickly. This control over appointments was one of the strongest tools of his rule. Every officer knew that his success depended completely on the Sultan’s will Customized Turkey Tour.
Education and Preparation for Office
The Ottoman rulers trained many young men for government service. These men were educated carefully and prepared for important offices. Many of them waited as candidates, hoping to receive positions in the court or the army.
If there had been only a few offices and many trained men, the Sultan’s power might have seemed weak. It would have been like a father who spent more money educating his sons than he had property to give them. If the father could not reward his sons properly, his authority in the family might suffer.
In the same way, the Sultan needed to manage opportunities wisely. He had to balance the number of trained officials with the number of offices available. By frequently changing officers, he made room for new men to rise. This kept hope alive among those who waited for promotion.
The Sultan Compared to the Sun
The Sultan’s power was often compared to the sun. Just as the sun gives light to one part of the world while another part is in darkness, the Sultan gave favor to some men while removing it from others. When one officer lost his position, another gained it.
This constant movement of favor made the Sultan appear as the source of all success. Like the sun spreading its rays, he shared his influence across the empire. By lifting one man and lowering another, he reminded everyone that honor, wealth, and power came only from him.
Authority Above All
Through this system, the Sultan was seen as the common father of all his servants. Every official depended on him. No one could claim lasting power on his own. This careful control of appointments helped protect the throne and kept the empire united under a single, absolute ruler.
In this way, the health of the monarchy was always placed above every other concern.