The word was initially used as a title for someone with significant power or authority, not necessarily a ruler. However, over time, it became a common title for Muslim monarchs, especially in the Ottoman Empire.
Here's a breakdown of the word's evolution:
* Arabic: سلطان (sulṭān) - "power" or "authority"
* Persian: سلطان (solṭān) - adopted into Persian as a title for powerful individuals
* Turkish: Sultan - adopted into Turkish and became a standard title for Ottoman rulers
* English: Sultan - adopted into English from Turkish, ultimately originating from the Arabic root.
So, the word "sultan" has its roots in the Arabic language, evolving through Persian and Turkish before becoming an established title for Muslim monarchs and ultimately a common word in English.