Absolutism is a form of government in which a single ruler holds all power and authority, and their rule is not limited by laws or constitutions. In absolutist societies, the monarch or ruler has complete control over the government and the lives of their subjects.
One example of an empire that was ruled according to the principles of absolutism is the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Suleiman the Great. Suleiman was known as the "Lawgiver" because he implemented a number of reforms that centralised power in the hands of the Ottoman ruling class and strengthened the state. The Ottoman Empire was an absolutist state in which the sultan had absolute power and authority, and his subjects had no legal recourse against his decisions.
The major positive effect of absolutism in the Ottoman Empire was that it allowed for efficient and centralised decision-making. Under Suleiman's rule, the Ottoman Empire reached the height of its power and expanded to include much of southeastern Europe and western Asia. The centralized nature of the Ottoman government also allowed for the construction of public works such as roads and bridges, which facilitated trade and communication within the empire.
However, absolutism also had negative effects on the Ottoman Empire. The lack of checks and balances on the sultan's power meant that there was little accountability for his actions, and the ruling class was able to abuse its power and exploit the general population. In addition, the centralization of power led to widespread corruption and nepotism, as the ruling class used their positions of power to enrich themselves at the expense of the general population.
In conclusion, absolutism was a form of government that allowed for efficient decision-making and contributed to the success and expansion of the Ottoman Empire under Suleiman the Great. However, it also had negative consequences, including a lack of accountability and widespread corruption, which ultimately contributed to the decline of the empire in the long run.