The Ottoman Empire: Focus On Society

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the rayyahs, had the task of actually producing the
wealth. The rayyahs had to pay part of their profits from industry,
commerce, and farming to the state in the form of taxes. Townsfolk,
villagers, and pastoral peoples made up the eclectic mix of the rayyah
class. The word "rayyah" literally translates into "the protected flock of
the Sultan".
While Ottoman society was clearly divided into distinct social classes,
these classes were neither closed nor confining, meaning that with the
proper attributes and luck, a man could raise his social status. For
example, to be a member of the small ruling class below the Sultan, one
had to possess the following three qualities:

- deep-rooted patriotism and loyalty for the Empire and the Sultan. -
acceptance and practice of Islam, which was integrated into the Ottoman
lifestyle. - knowledge and practice of the Ottoman Way, which consisted of
complex customs, behavior, and language.

If a rayyah possessed these qualities, he had a ...

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