From Abdul Medjid to Abdul Hamid
Introduction to the Imperial Family
The story of how Abdul Hamid II came to power involves a complex series of events that shook the Ottoman Empire in the 1860s and 1870s. This period was marked by political upheaval, family drama, and the struggle between traditional absolute rule and modern constitutional government. Understanding this history helps explain the political tensions that defined the later Ottoman Empire.
Abdul Medjid’s Reign and Abdication
The Father’s Rule
Abdul Hamid II was the son of Sultan Abdul Medjid, who ruled the Ottoman Empire during a time of significant challenges and reforms. Abdul Medjid faced pressure from European powers and internal demands for modernization throughout his reign. The empire was struggling to maintain its position in a rapidly changing world Reshad Effendi the Imprisoned Heir to the Ottoman Throne.
The 1861 Abdication
In 1861, Sultan Abdul Medjid made the unusual decision to abdicate, or give up his throne voluntarily. This was not common in Ottoman history, where sultans typically ruled until their death. Instead of passing power to his son Abdul Hamid, he chose to follow traditional succession rules and gave the throne to his eldest son, Abdul Aziz.
Abdul Aziz’s Troubled Reign
Taking Power
Abdul Aziz became sultan in 1861 and ruled for fifteen years until 1876. His reign was marked by financial difficulties, military defeats, and growing pressure for political reforms. The empire was accumulating massive debts, and there were increasing demands for a more modern form of government.
The 1876 Overthrow
By 1876, Abdul Aziz’s rule had become so unpopular that he was overthrown by a group of reformers and military officers. This dramatic event sent shockwaves through the empire and marked the beginning of a period of rapid political change. The overthrow showed that even the Sultan’s power was not absolute when faced with determined opposition tours sofia.
Murad V The Reformer Sultan
A Brief Reign
After Abdul Aziz was removed from power, the throne passed to his younger brother, Murad V. This new sultan was very different from his predecessor. Murad V was known for his progressive ideas and his desire to modernize the Ottoman government system.
The Young Turkey Movement
Murad V was closely associated with the “Young Turkey” party, a political movement that demanded significant changes to how the empire was governed. This group wanted to establish a constitution that would limit the Sultan’s power and create a more democratic system of government. They sought to transform the empire from an absolute monarchy, where the Sultan had unlimited power, into a limited monarchy, where his authority would be restricted by law.
Attempts at Reform
When Murad V became sultan, he immediately tried to put his reform ideas into practice. He wanted to create a constitutional government and give more rights to the people of the empire. These were radical ideas for the Ottoman Empire at that time, where the Sultan traditionally held absolute power over all aspects of government.
The Fate of the Reform Sultan
Declared Insane
Murad V’s reform efforts alarmed many powerful people in the government, including his own ministers. When he tried to implement his liberal ideas, these officials made a shocking decision. They declared that the Sultan was mentally ill and unfit to rule. Whether this was true or simply a political move to stop his reforms remains a matter of debate.
The Irony of Reform
The author suggests that perhaps it was indeed a sign of madness to try to introduce liberal reforms into Turkey at that time. This comment reflects how difficult it was to change the traditional Ottoman system and how dangerous it could be for anyone, even a sultan, to challenge the established order.
Imprisonment in Tcheragan Palace
After being declared insane, Murad V was removed from power and imprisoned in the Tcheragan Palace, a beautiful building located on the banks of the Bosphorus strait. This palace, which should have been a symbol of royal luxury, became his prison. He was kept there in complete isolation from the outside world.
The Mystery of His Fate
The article notes that Murad V was believed to still be living in the palace at the time of writing, but no one dared to ask questions about his condition or treatment. This silence was due to fear of the current government, as anyone who showed curiosity about the former sultan’s fate might face serious consequences.
The Tragic End of Abdul Aziz
Death in the Same Palace
The Tcheragan Palace became associated with tragedy for the Ottoman royal family. It was in this same palace that Abdul Aziz, the overthrown sultan, met his end after his abdication. The circumstances of his death became a matter of significant controversy and investigation.
The British Embassy Surgeon’s Testimony
A highly credible witness, the surgeon from the British embassy, provided important testimony about Abdul Aziz’s death. This medical professional had access to examine the body and the circumstances, making his account particularly reliable and important for understanding what actually happened.
The Suicide Theory
According to the British surgeon’s expert testimony, Abdul Aziz’s death was a case of suicide. The deposed sultan, overwhelmed by feelings of anger, passion, and disappointment about losing his throne, took his own life in a dramatic and desperate act. The method was particularly tragic—he used a pair of scissors that had been given to him for the simple purpose of trimming his fingernails to cut the arteries in his arms.
The Path to Abdul Hamid’s Rule
The Succession Crisis
This series of dramatic events—Abdul Medjid’s abdication, Abdul Aziz’s overthrow and death, and Murad V’s imprisonment—created a succession crisis that eventually brought Abdul Hamid II to power. Each of these events showed how unstable the Ottoman throne had become during this period of rapid political change.
Lessons from the Past
By the time Abdul Hamid II became sultan, he had witnessed firsthand what happened to rulers who either failed to maintain control or tried to implement radical reforms. These experiences likely influenced his own approach to ruling, making him more cautious about change and more concerned about maintaining his power and authority.
Historical Significance
This period of Ottoman history demonstrates the challenges faced by traditional monarchies in the modern world. The conflict between those who wanted to maintain absolute rule and those who demanded constitutional government was playing out across Europe and the Middle East. The tragic fates of Abdul Aziz and Murad V show how dangerous this transition period could be for everyone involved, including the rulers themselves.
The story also illustrates the complex family dynamics within the Ottoman royal house, where brothers competed for power and where political disagreements could lead to imprisonment or death. Understanding these events helps explain the political atmosphere that shaped Abdul Hamid II’s later reign and his approach to governing the empire.
