The Ottoman Empire was a powerful political and military force in the Middle East from the 13th to the 20th century. It was ruled by a Sultan, and its highest ranking officials were known as Ottoman VIPs. These included the AGA (3 letters), who was the commander of the Janissary corps; the PASHA (5 letters), who was a high-ranking military or civil official; the Bey (3 letters), who was a provincial governor; and the Agha (4 letters), who was a military or civil leader.