Modernization of the Ottoman Empire: Tanzimat Reforms

The Tanzimat Ottoman Reforms

Name

Institution

Introduction

Tanzimat was the period of transformation where reforms were instituted to modernize the Ottoman Empire in the middle seventeen century. Under the rule of Sultan Abd AL-Majid, the empire was threatened by advances made by the western powers in gaining control of the regions that were once under the empire. Additionally, the empire was losing popularity where numerous regions were struggling to break away from the empire. Therefore, the empire realized the need for reforms that will incorporate all the citizens who were divided along tribal and religious lines.

Reasons for Tanzimat Introduction

The reforms came at a time when the Ottoman Empire was facing a crisis due

This was followed by the abolition of slavery and any trade associated with slave transfer in the following year. In 1848, the first modern university was established followed by academies and teachers schools the same year. By 1856, a concern was raised on the need to offer freedom of worship; therefore, a legal equality for citizens of all religions was introduced. In 1857, the private sector was allowed to publish and print documents in the empire; therefore, encouraging research and education in general. The same reform was extended in 1859 to offer privileges for civil servants to acquire administration-related higher

Thus, the same western nations that were supposed to be weakened by the changes were made even stronger. This was evident when the western powers demanded a much more sovereignty for ethnic communities under the empire. The fact that the empire negotiated on the issue and compromised its stand due to western pressure shows that the western powers became even more influential. The result of the western move served to strengthen the Christian middle class, where their political and economic powers were