The Ottoman Empire had a complex administrative system that allowed it to govern a vast and diverse territory. At the top was the Sultan, who held absolute power, supported by a council of advisors known as the Divan. The empire was divided into provinces, each overseen by a Pasha or governor, who was responsible for local administration, tax collection, and maintaining order. To manage its diverse population, the Ottoman administration employed a millet system, allowing various religious communities to govern themselves in matters of personal law. This approach fostered a degree of autonomy and helped maintain stability within the empire, accommodating different cultures and beliefs.