Formation of Modern Turkey

based on Turkey: A Modern History by Eric J. Zürcher

“Part I: Western Influences and Early Attempts at

Modernization”
 Mahmut II (1808-1939)
30th Sultan of Ottoman Empire
(B: 20 July, 1789, D: July 1, 1839)

Mahmud II
before and after clothing reforms
 3. The Early Years of Sultan Mahmut II: The Center Tries to Regain Control

Mahmut II: Establishing Power Base –I

(1812-1820)

Started as politically weak in position.

-Through his successful tactic established a power base in

first 15 years of his reign

Got his trusted supporters in key positions:

-in scribal service (kalemiye)
-in ulema hierarchy (Ilmiye)
-in the army (seyfiye)
 3. The Early Years of Sultan Mahmut II: The Center Tries to Regain Control

Mahmut II: Establishing Power Base –II

(1812-1820)

-Placing reformist minded people in strong positions

-Mehmet Said Halet Efendi,

“the most powerful politician of these early years.”
-a member of the ulema
-former ambassador to Paris
-close to janissaries
-very instrumental in subjugating the ayans
 3. The Early Years of Sultan Mahmut II: The Center Tries to Regain Control

Mahmut II: Establishing Power Base –III

(1812-1820)
Ayans brought under control:
-1812-17 Anatolian ayans
-1814-20 Balkan ayans
-Practically independent Kurdish princes, mirs
controlled.
-Arab provinces central power restored itself only
in late 1840s
Methods to bring ayans under control : Peaceful
-bribes, titles, divisions exploited, “hostages”.
 3. The Early Years of Sultan Mahmut II: The Center Tries to Regain Control

Mahmut II: Establishing Power Base –III

(1812-1820)
Rise of Nationalism & International Condition

Lost Territories:
-Serbia: Kara George, revolt of 1804.
Milos Obrenovic gained autonomy between
Belgrade and Nish
-Greece: The Philiki Hetairia (1814)
(continue on next slides)
 3. The Early Years of Sultan Mahmut II: The Center Tries to Regain Control

Mahmut II: Establishing Power Base –III

(1812-1820)
Rise of Nationalism & International Condition

-Greece: The Philiki Hetairia (1814)

-1st Greek revolt 1821,
-Alexander Ipsilantis (member of Phanariote)
-2nd revolt started in the southern Greece,
-Greece gained independence with
The Treaty of Edirne in 1829

Celebration today in national & international context

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcyp7Dud3cM
3. The Early Years of Sultan Mahmut II: The Center Tries to Regain Control
 Province of
Ioanina
(Yanina Eyaleti)

stayed Under Ali

Pasha (Tepedenli
Ali Pasha)
1788-1822

Ali Pasha was

Sanjakbai of
Trikala, Siezed
control of
Ioannina
 3. The Early Years of Sultan Mahmut II: The Center Tries to Regain Control

Mahmut II: Establishing Power Base: 1812-20

Lost Territories:
-Egypt: Kavalali Mehmet Ali Pasha became Wali
(governor) of Egypt (1808).
-Started modernization reforms in
agriculture, education and military.
-Started conscription of Egyptian peasant
in 1822
-Started direct taxing, replacing tax farm system.
-Fought against Wahhabi insurgency in Arabian
peninsula 1811-18.
 1789-1837
Egypt Pushes
back
Saudi Revolt

-Saudi family
Captures Mecca
In 1806

-1824 Another
Saudi leader
recaptured
RIYAD and
Founded The
new Kingdom