Glencoe World History: Modern Times © 2011 Virginia Edition

The Ottoman Sultan

Introduction
The Ottoman Empire had a complex system of governance that, at its height, combined an effective dynastic system, a unifying religion, and a powerful military force. In this activity you will examine the sultan’s role in the Ottoman Empire as well as the role and treatment of the conquered people.

Destination Title: The Rise of the Turks and the Ottoman Empire

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
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Directions

• Click on the Web site and scroll down to “Ottoman Institutions.”
• Read the information, including “Ottoman Military Establishment” and “Selim I and Süleyman the Magnificent.” Take notes as you read.

Use the information you found to answer the following questions.

1			Who was the highest authority in the Ottoman Empire? How were his powers limited?
2			Explain seriat (Arabic sharia). Did it limit or extend the power of the sultan? How?
3			Describe the devsirme system in the Ottoman military.
4			How were non-Muslims treated in Ottoman society?
5			Imagine that you are either a Christian boy who has been recruited into the Ottoman military or a non-Muslim living in the Ottoman Empire. Based on the Web site information and your textbook, compose a diary entry that you might have written about your experiences of living in the empire. Include a description of the Muslims’ treatment of you and your view of the sultan.