the sultan's committee

Divan in Turkish, - the central governing body of the Ottoman Empire which wielded the highest legislative, executive and jurisdictional power on behalf of the sultan. Its members were leaders of the different branches of public administration: the Grand Vizier who was the fully authorised deputy of the sultan; other viziers the number of whom varied; the defterdars, two kadiaszkers and a nisandzsi, later the admiral of a fleet and the commander of the yanichars. Following the example of the sultan's committee, a similar committee was also established for governors.

FP