The Greatest Leader of the Ottoman Empire Known for Composing Laws

Who was the greatest leader of the Ottoman Empire known for composing laws?

a) Mustafa Kemal Atatürk b) Suleiman the Magnificent c) Mehmed the Conqueror d) Mahmud II

Final answer: Option b

Answer:

Suleiman the Magnificent was the well-reputed leader of the Ottoman Empire noted for creating a unified and widely publicized law code in compliance with Islamic principles, earning him the title 'the lawgiver' among his subjects.

The greatest leader of the Ottoman Empire known for composing laws was Suleiman the Magnificent. As his legacy suggests, he earned the title 'the lawgiver' among Ottomans because he was instrumental in reviewing and creating a unified law code for the empire that was compatible with Islamic principles. He also made sure that this unified law code was publicized effectively so that every Ottoman subject knew their legal rights.

There was a transformation of Ottoman law under Suleiman's rule, especially in areas requiring interpretation such as criminal law, lands management, and tax law. These were traditionally established by decree, which often resulted in laws that varied significantly across the empire due to the influence of multiple sultans over two and a half centuries. Suleiman's comprehensive law code brought a much needed consistency across the empire and remained in effect for three centuries.

This remarkable endeavor earned him wide acclaim and affection from his people, who saw him as a ruler who was genuinely considerate of their well-being. Suleiman continued to lead until his death in 1566, during an expedition into Hungary. His passing was kept a secret for two months so as to not disorient the troops and was only made public upon their return to Istanbul just in time for the coronation of his son Selim II.