Social Structure of The Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire consisted of four social classes;

Men of the pen: highly educated; scientists,lawyers, judges and doctors.

Men of the sword: military personnel.

Men of negotiation: merchants, artisans and tax collectors.

Men of husbandry: farmers and herders.

In the Ottoman Empire your place in hierarchy was based on your skills (merit), although it did help to know people of higher power. If you were the Sultan, your place in the hierarchy was based on birth. Slavery also played a part in determining your social class. Some slaves were raised to become government officials, others were bought, captured, or born into slavery. Many slaves were Georgians, Armenians, Circassians, Syrians, Nubians, or people from other countries that were captured during war.  The slaves were given jobs based on their interests and abilities. Citizens of the Ottoman Empire had the right to practice their own religion freely as long as you paid taxes and obeyed the Ottoman law. Your social class and job also helped determine some of the rights you were entitled too. For example, the men of negotiation were exempt of taxes and government regulations.