The empire was a hereditary monarchy. The ruler's title was 'Sultan'. (It was used in front of the name, e.g. ""Sultan" Süleyman".) The title of 'Sultan' was also used for the wives and the daughters of the monarchs. (It was used at the end of the name, e.g. "Hürrem "Sultan"".) In the early years of the empire, shahzadahs, the sons of the Sultan, were sent to different parts of the empire (Sanjaks) to get experience of governing. Later they might be candidates for the Sultanate and Caliphate. 