The Ottoman Empire chose the term "sultan" for their leader because it carried significant historical and cultural weight in the Islamic world. The term "sultan" derives from the Arabic word "sultān," meaning "authority" or "power." It had been used in various Islamic polities before the Ottomans, including the Abbasid Caliphate and the Seljuk Empire.
By adopting the title of sultan, the Ottoman rulers sought to legitimize their authority within the Islamic context. It also conveyed the idea of sovereignty, as the sultan was considered the ultimate political and religious authority in the empire. Additionally, using a Muslim title aligned with the Ottoman Empire's status as a predominantly Muslim state, and helped solidify their role as protectors of Islam.
By associating themselves with the title of sultan, the Ottomans were able to reinforce their position as heirs to a long tradition of Islamic rulership and establish their empire as a significant power in the Muslim world.
Why did the ottomans chose the term sultan for their leader?
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