The economic and administrative aspects of the Ottoman Empire were very advanced for the time.  These were two very complex systems with much detail to them.  The administrative system reminds me of systems today because they used such things as taxation, the ruling hierarchy (the sultan, the divan, etc.), and the military system.  Obviously, there were many differences as well.  The Ottoman Empire included slavery and highly regarded religion.  There were many Christian slaves, but they did not seem to be like ordinary slaves.  Instead of being kept at the bottom of the food chain they were given semi-important jobs, especially in the military.  Islam was very important to them, and Muslims got special treatment by the people in power.  The vakif, or Islamic charitable foundation, was also very interesting to me because it was so advanced and so similar to organizations today.  It supported great architectural works and funded programs like soup kitchens, hospitals, libraries, gardens, etc.  I never realized how interesting and amazing this culture was.  Sadly, this reading is the extent of my knowledge on the subject now.  I had never read or learned anything about the Ottoman Empire before, but I am eager to learn more now.