Portrait: AI-generated imagined likeness
Monarch · Politician
A sultan of the Ottoman Empire who promoted centralization and military reform. He abolished the Janissaries and paved the way for Tanzimat reform. He is an important figure in modern Ottoman history. You can also see the changes in the times.
View in catalogConstantinople
Birth
Istanbul
Work
Auspicious Incident
1826
Political event · Leader
Map: Natural Earth (PD)
Born into the royal family of the Ottoman Empire, he ascended the throne at a time of internal and external crises. The empire faced conflict with Russia, national movements, and the independence of local powerful people.
In 1826, the Janissaries were abolished and a new type of army was developed. They also reformed the bureaucracy, dress, education, and communications in an effort to strengthen the control of the central government.
The abolition of the Janissaries is called an ``auspicious incident,'' but in reality it was a violent armed conflict. Reform did not involve compromise with the old system, but sometimes involved violent rupture.
When we study Mahmut II, we learn that the Ottoman Empire not only declined, but also tried to reform its system in order to survive. You will be able to understand the points of contact between the 19th century Middle East and European international politics. It is also possible that it will have an impact on the institutions and memories of later generations.
