Millet (Ottoman Empire)

Millet (in the Ottoman Empire) was a term used to refer to different communities of people that belonged to a certain belief or religious group. Each Millet was allowed to act almost like an independent government, which meant they were able to govern themselves and make their own laws, while still living under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. For example, Christians were allowed to have the Christian Millet, which allowed them to follow the laws of Christianity and practice their religion.