The Devshireme System in the Ottoman Empire

School of Oriental and African Studies, Xi’an International Studies University

^* qihanxuxisu@163.com

Abstract

The Ottoman Empire, as a multi-ethnic empire, was first created by the Turks. In the fifteenth century, the Byzantine Empire was destroyed and the Turks made Constantinople their capital. By the sixteenth century, the Ottoman Empire had grown to its full potential and reached its peak in the seventeenth century, spanning three continents: Asia, Europe and Africa. In order to rule and administer the empire, the Turkish rulers created a number of unique systems and models of administration, such as the Sultanate, the Tima, the Millet and the Demisheme. The Demesme system was a rigorous selection system that was important to the military and political development of the Ottoman Empire. A study of this system will help us to understand the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire, its institutional structure and management style, and will also be of some value for the present-day employment system.