Sultans are Muslim rulers of the Islamic region. The Head of the Ottoman Empire, the role they play in the kingdom is a very important one. The word "Sultan" comes from the Arabic term, meaning authority.

The "The Years of Rice and Salt; Book 7" the story begins as the main character, Ismail, is summoned by the Sultan, for he learns that he was able to nurse an ill girl back to good health. The Sultan "Selim" too nursed back to good health by Ismail after he became ill due to a complication with the skin. After being crowned chief doctor, the Sultan became very interested in Ismail and his studies with the body. On page 483 of Book 7, you can notice the privileges given to the Sultan. For as one can see, a Sultan can have just about anything he wants. In this portion of the story, the Sultan summons a woman who is described to be a red haired, paled skin woman. He then is said to have his way with her and afterwards, summons fourth another woman to his liking. Being the head of the empire, one with such authority can rule and have anything they desire.

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