Evaluate the importance to the evolution of Ottoman administration of two of the following: Mehmet II (1451–1481); Selim I (1512–1520); Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1566).

Candidates are required to make an appraisal of two rulers, weighing up their importance or otherwise to the evolution of Ottoman administration. Candidates may consider the establishment of the diwan under Mehmet II, and the codification of the law carried out by him, and later by Suleiman, addressing issues such as taxation, profits of trade and import–export duties. Candidates may also evaluate the policies adopted to gain loyal officers as in the case of Mehmet II, whose diwan was formed by officials and religious scholars solely loyal to him and regulated by the kanunname, a list of the chief officials, their responsibilities, salaries, and punishments. Regarding Selim I, candidates may consider the execution of opposition leaders and members of the royal family who were replaced with reliable supporters, the support of the Janissaries, and the persecution of heretics to consolidate the Ottoman power. Candidates may also reflect on the treatment of minorities as part of the administration as in the case of Suleiman, who gave particular attention to Jews and Christian minorities raising their status above serfdom.

Question 8 Candidates were required to make an appraisal of two of the rulers named in the question, weighing up their importance or otherwise to the evolution of Ottoman administration.