There were many reasons why the Ottoman Empire was so successful:
- · Highly centralized.
- · Power was always transferred to a single person, and not split between rival princes.
- · State-run education system.
- · Religion was incorporated in the state structure, and the Sultan was regarded as "the protector of Islam".
- · State-run judicial system.
- · Ruthless in dealing with local leaders.
- · Promotion to positions of power largely depended on merit.
- · Created alliances across political and racial groups.
- · United by Islamic ideology.
- · United by Islamic warrior code with ideal of increasing Muslim territory through Jihad.
- · United by Islamic organizational and administrative structures.
- · Encouraged loyalty from other faith groups.
- · Private power and wealth were controlled.
- · Very strong military :
- · Strong slave-based army
- · Expert in developing gunpowder as a military tool
- · Military ethos pervaded whole administration