The Ottoman Empire developed over the years as a despotism with the Sultan as the supreme ruler of a centralized government that had an effective control of its provinces, officials and inhabitants. W
Harem of Topkapı Palace
Mustafa II receiving the French embassy of Charles de Ferriol in 1699; painting by Jean-Baptiste van Mour
Starting in the 19th century the Ottoman Empire's governing structure slowly transitioned and standardized itself into a Western style system of government, sometimes known as the Imperial Government.
Government of the classical Ottoman Empire
…own way under its great khedive Mohammed Ali – they would in turn be subjected to European colonial dominance, as protectorates, of France and Britain. Government of the late Ottoman Empire…
The sword girding of Mehmed VI.