Ottoman government and economy
The Ottoman sultans made all important governmental decisions for the empire. The sultans appointed officials to collect taxes and to keep peace within the empire. The powers of the sultans were limited in some ways. For example, the rulers needed the support of the army to maintain their position. In addition, new laws were subject to the approval of the empire's chief religious judge, the grand mufti, before they could take effect.
The Ottoman Empire gained great wealth through trade. Some of the busiest trade routes between Asia and Europe ran through the empire. Merchandise offered in the markets of Ottoman cities included Chinese porcelains, European woolens, Persian silks, and spices from Asia.
Excerpt adapted from the "Ottoman Empire" article, The World Book Encyclopedia, © 1999