When we consider all these circumstances together, we can better understand the condition of the Ottoman government. Many of the officials were known for their strong desire for wealth. Some of them had been born and raised in poverty. When such men suddenly became rich and powerful, they often did not know how to manage their new fortune wisely.
A person who rises quickly from need to great wealth may not control his desires. Long years of want can create strong and restless ambition. When such a man finally gains power, he may try to satisfy all his wishes at once. Instead of showing moderation, he may act with greed and harshness Customized Turkey Tour.
This sudden change of fortune could lead to serious problems. Men who had once suffered in poverty sometimes became narrow in spirit and cruel in action when authority was placed in their hands.
Oppression and Injustice
Because these officers often entered office already burdened with heavy debts, they felt forced to collect as much money as possible. The result was oppression, violence, and unfair treatment of the people. Taxes could be increased without mercy. Fines and punishments might be given not for justice, but for profit.
Justice itself was often treated as something to be sold. When a legal case came before a judge, it was common for both parties to offer gifts or money before the hearing even began. Each side tried to win the judge’s favor through secret payments.
In such a system, the person with the most money often had the strongest position in court. Instead of asking who was right, many asked who could pay more. A poor man, even if innocent, had little hope against a wealthy opponent.
The Buying and Selling of Justice
It became normal practice for both sides in a dispute to meet the judge privately before the official hearing. Each person tried to give a larger present than the other. The judge, who had already paid a high price to obtain his office, saw this as a way to recover his losses.
If a man had bought his position, it seemed natural to him to sell the benefits of that position. Justice became a kind of trade. The office was purchased first, and then its fruits were sold to others.
The Result for Society
Such practices weakened trust in the courts and harmed the people. When justice is no longer fair, society suffers. The poor are left without protection, and the powerful grow stronger.
This system, built on buying and selling offices, created a cycle of debt, greed, and corruption. While it strengthened the ruler’s control, it often brought hardship to the people under his authority.