Vizier

Vizier (Greek: Βεζιρης). Originally "Vizier" was the name given to a person that was carrying a heavy loads for goods (Greek: Χαμαλης).

Given time, the meaning changed from "carrying heavy loads" to "Carrying the (load of) responsibility of running a country".

Vizier became the title of the person that was appointed by the Sultan to run the country. The Vizier had more responsibilities than those of a "Prime Minister" of those days.

The position of the Vizier was at the mercy of the Sultan of the day. Many Viziers, because of their unpopularity, not only lost their position, but in many cases they lost their life. "Grand Vizier" is the Great Vizier.

Vizier were appointed not only in the Ottoman Empire but also in Persia and Mongolia