Introduction: A Brief History of the Late Ottoman Empire
In the book “A Brief History of the Late Ottoman Empire,” M. Şükrü Hanioğlu attempts to highlight the major changes that occurred within the Ottoman Empire over approximately fifty years. The first chapter, titled “The Ottoman Empire at the Turn of the Nineteenth Century,” explores the critical situation of the empire during the turn of the nineteenth century. Mustafa III, with the support of his brother Abdülhamid I, made significant efforts to improve the status quo. However, it was the endeavors of Selim III that proved to be the most fruitful.
M. Şükrü Hanioğlu continues to shed light on the administrative discrepancies of the nineteenth-century Ottoman Empire in the first chapter. He further explains that the Ottoman Legal System relied on both Sharia law and Sultanic law for the creation of laws. The self-sufficient state policy regarding the economy reflected European influence. The expansion of the Ottoman Empire across three continents resulted in a society with disparate norms, creating a hybrid of diverse cultures in the nineteenth-century Ottoman Empire.
The cultural outlook of urban areas sharply contrasted with that of rural regions. Similarly, a multitude of languages were spoken within nineteenth-century Ottoman society, reflecting the richness of Ottoman culture. These languages included Bulgarian, Serbian, Arabic, Turkish, Greek, Latino, Armenian, French, and Syriac.
Responses to Challenges in A Brief History of the Late Ottoman Empire
In the second chapter, titled “Initial Ottoman Responses to the Challenge of Modernity,” M. Şükrü Hanioğlu catalogs the reforms implemented during the nineteenth century. These reforms instigated a profound reconstruction of the Ottoman military. Selim III prioritized the improvement of the army’s structure, establishing notable institutions for army training. Additionally, foreign officers were invited to provide advisory services to enhance the Ottoman military.
The era of Selim III also witnessed extensive reforms in the economy, responding to significant trade defalcation. The evolving sociopolitical circumstances worldwide during the nineteenth century necessitated concurrent adjustments in Ottoman foreign policy. This resulted in a peace treaty with France in 1802 and a defense alliance with Russia in 1805. In 1795, radical administrative reforms were introduced, creating twenty-eight provinces in the Empire. The objective was to enhance the administrative structure through the establishment of a centralized government. However, due to the absence of an effective enforcement mechanism, these enactments failed to produce the desired results.
As nationalism emerged among the Ottoman states in the course of the nineteenth century, it culminated in the Serbian revolt of 1804. The chapter concludes by enumerating the obstacles to reform. M. Şükrü Hanioğlu explains that conflicting ideologies prevailed, leading to the 1806 Edirne incident.
Reforms in A Brief History of the Late Ottoman Empire
In the third chapter, “The Dawn of the Age of Reform,” M. Şükrü Hanioğlu details the reforms implemented throughout the nineteenth century. Recognizing the necessity for a renewed settlement among the Ottoman Empire’s elite to safeguard its structure, Alemdar Mustafa orchestrated the signing of the Deed of Agreement in 1808, with notables including Mahmud II. This document accurately delineated the distribution of political power among the notables of the nineteenth century.
The subsequent section of the chapter addresses the Destruction of the Janissaries, explaining how their revolt led to their demise. The replacement of the Janissaries with a more compliant military order disrupted the political balance of power in the Ottoman Empire, as they had previously played a significant role in the selection or removal of the sultan.
The chapter further outlines reforms in centralization, westernization, and administration during the nineteenth century Ottoman Empire. Under Mahmud II’s reign, numerous provinces were centralized, and the grand vizier’s office was transformed into the prime minister’s office, reflecting the westernization of the Ottoman administrative structure.
The narrative continues with the description of the threat posed by Mehmed Ali, whose death in 1849 relieved the Ottoman administration and allowed them to maintain formal supremacy over Eritrea. M. Şükrü Hanioğlu then explores European threats to the Empire’s integrity, citing Bonaparte’s conquest of Egypt in 1798 as a demonstration of European military strength over the Ottoman administration. The chapter concludes by highlighting the profound economic reforms undertaken during this era.
Tanzimat in A Brief History of the Late Ottoman Empire
In the fourth chapter, “The Tanzimat Era,” M. Şükrü Hanioğlu details the reforms enacted during this period. These reforms aimed at enhancing the representation of various ethnic groups within government structures. By 1847, the introduction of mixed commercial courts marked a significant milestone, allowing non-Muslim representation for the first time.
The subsequent section of the chapter delves into the progress in diplomacy, war, and reform during the Tanzimat era. These reforms were a response to the persistent pressure from liberal Europe, and by 1856, many provinces had gained a degree of autonomy from the central control of the Ottoman Empire. The structure of provincial government underwent substantial changes during the Tanzimat period. Additionally, there were notable economic reforms, with legislation aiming to revamp interactions between landowners and peasants.
The Tanzimat era also witnessed profound cultural and intellectual changes. Provincial governors began publishing gazettes for the first time, and significant alterations were made in the field of education. The construction of the School of Administration in 1859 played a crucial role in improving the education sector. Despite these efforts, the reform policies of the Tanzimat era faced vehement opposition from the young Ottomans. M. Şükrü Hanioğlu further explores the ambiguous legacy of these reforms.
Regimes and A Brief History of the Late Ottoman Empire
In the fifth chapter, “The Twilight of the Tanzimat and the Hamidian Regime,” the effectiveness of the reforms initiated during the Tanzimat era is examined, along with an exploration of the subsequent reforms introduced during the Hamidian tenure.
The last chapter, “From Revolution to Imperial Collapse: The Longest Decade of the Late Ottoman Empire,” delves into the reasons and events leading to the ultimate downfall of the Ottoman Empire. M. Şükrü Hanioğlu likely provides insights into the historical context, political developments, and other factors that contributed to the decline of the empire during this period.
These summaries suggest that the book provides a comprehensive examination of the late Ottoman Empire, covering key reforms, political changes, and the eventual decline of the empire. If you have any specific questions or if there’s more information you’d like to explore, feel free to ask
Works Cited: A Brief History of the Late Ottoman Empire
Hanioğlu, M. Șükrü. A Brief History of The Late Ottoman Empire. Princeton University Press, 2008.
