THE IMPERIAL COUNCIL THE OTTOMANS

Abstract

UDK 94(496.02)”1520/1640”

The Imperial Council is a body that existed from the very creation of the Ottoman state. It was the most significant political organ of the state, it discussed all the state issues internal as well as relations to other states. Imperial Council was the organ where decisions of going to a war were brought as well as peace treaties signed with other states. Members of the Council (Divan) did not discuss only state matters but things like supplies of food or firewood for instance. This Council also served as a court of Appeal, where all the citizens regardless of class or religion could appeal agents any judgment. The Council was presided by the Grand Vizier since 1475, when Sultan abandoned this practice, the other members comprising the council were: kadi’askers (military judges) for Rumelia (the European provinces) and Anatolia (the Asian provinces), nishangy (state chancellor), deftedar (treasurer responsible for state finances) , the Commander in chief of Ottoman navy and the Agha of the Janissaries. The beylerbey of Rumelia Eyalet also became a member of the Council in year 1536.