From 1453 to the beginning of the nineteenth century the Ottoman local government was loosely structured. The Empire was at first divided into states called eyalets, presided over by a Pasha (title equivalent to Grand Duke in Turkish) of three tails (feathers borne on a state officer's ceremonial staff). The Grand Vizier was responsible for nominating all the high officers of State, both in the capital and the states. Between 1861 and 1866, these Eyalets were abolished, and the territory was divided for administrative purposes into Vilayets (Provinces).