sultáns

Sultans were the rulers of the Ottoman Empire, which was one of the largest and most powerful empires in history. The title "sultan" is derived from the Arabic word "sultān," meaning "master" or "lord." The first sultan was Osman I, who founded the Ottoman Empire in 1299. The empire reached its peak in the 16th century under the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent, who expanded the empire's territory to include much of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Sultans held absolute power and were considered divine figures, often referred to as "kings of kings." They were responsible for religious, political, and military affairs. The Ottoman Empire was a theocratic state, with the sultan serving as both the head of state and the head of the Islamic faith. The empire's capital was Constantinople (now Istanbul), which was renamed Istanbul by the Ottomans.

The Ottoman Empire declined in the 18th and 19th centuries due to internal strife, economic problems, and external pressures. The empire was eventually dissolved in 1922, and the title of sultan was abolished. The last sultan, Mehmed VI, was exiled to Malta in 1922 and died in exile in 1926. The Ottoman Empire's legacy continues to influence modern Turkey and the broader Middle East.