How did the Ottoman Empire govern the territories it conquered during the wars?

The Ottoman Empire, at its peak, was one of the largest empires in history, spanning across three continents and ruling over a diverse range of peoples and territories. With each conquest, the Ottomans faced the challenge of governing new territories and incorporating new subjects into their system of governance.

The Ottoman Empire's approach to governance varied depending on the specific circumstances of the territory and its people. However, there were certain common practices that the Ottomans employed to maintain control over their conquered lands. One of the key practices was the use of a decentralized system of government, with local administrators appointed to manage the affairs of their respective regions. These administrators, known as beys or pashas, were given significant autonomy to make decisions and enforce laws within their territories, as long as they remained loyal to the Ottoman Empire.

Another important aspect of Ottoman governance was the use of a legal system based on Islamic law, which provided a framework for the administration of justice and the resolution of disputes. The Ottomans also employed a system of taxation, with revenues collected from the territories used to fund the empire's military campaigns and administrative expenses.

The Ottomans also made efforts to assimilate conquered peoples into their empire. This included allowing religious minorities to maintain their own religious practices, as long as they paid a special tax and recognized the authority of the Ottoman government. Additionally, the Ottomans promoted the use of Turkish as the official language and encouraged the adoption of Ottoman cultural practices.