The Ottoman Sultan was the supreme ruler of the Ottoman Empire, which lasted from the late 13th century until the early 20th century. The Sultan held both political and religious authority, serving as the head of state and the leader of the Islamic community. The title was hereditary, typically passed down through the male line of the Osmanoglu family, descendants of the empire's founder, Osman I. Sultans were known for their elaborate courts and significant influence over art, culture, and architecture. They often commissioned grand structures, such as mosques and palaces, with the most famous being the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. The Sultan's role evolved over time, especially during periods of reform and modernization in the empire.