Hats off to an absoultely stunning empire

There is a lot to be said about the complexities and efficiency of the Ottoman empire. Looking at its composition, hierarchies and institutions, it is easier to understand how it was one of the most influential empires spanning over centuries. The idea that they would have a form of slavery that is supported by a human tax collected every seven years from non-Muslim families yet enable these same slaves to gain political advancement based on merit, is simply mind-boggling. It puts to shame all of the slave systems that all of the western states ever put together that were oppressive and denigrating to the slaves unlike with the Janissaries that were an integral part of the Sultan's court and were absolutely loyal to him. That is genius in my book, when you conscript so called outcasts of society, in this case non-Muslim children, and incorporate them into your culture and giving them the dignity and opportunity to advance based on their ability. Although they later turned out to be the downfall of the Ottoman Empire, at its peak, the Janissaries were a huge power force that was admired within the Ottoman society. This was regardless of the fact that they were never full Muslims having been inculcated into the faith.