Q.7 Critically evaluate the Ottoman’s administrative reforms with special reference to Tanzimat.
The Tanzimat was a period of reform in the Ottoman Empire that lasted from 1839 to 1876. During this time, the Ottoman Empire underwent significant changes in its administrative system, economy, and society. In this evaluation, I will assess the Ottoman’s administrative reforms with special reference to Tanzimat.
First, it is important to note that the Tanzimat reforms were initiated as a response to the challenges posed by the European powers, which were gaining economic and military power, and encroaching on Ottoman territory. The reforms aimed to modernize the Ottoman Empire, make it more efficient and effective, and to establish a more centralized administrative system.
One of the key reforms of the Tanzimat was the introduction of the Ottoman Constitution of 1876, which established a parliamentary system and provided for the protection of individual rights and freedoms. The constitution was a significant step forward in terms of political reform, as it limited the power of the sultan and provided for greater representation of the Ottoman population.
The Tanzimat reforms also aimed to modernize the Ottoman legal system, which was based on Islamic law. The reforms introduced a new legal code based on European models, which was more accessible to the Ottoman population and provided for greater legal protections.
Another significant reform was the establishment of a more centralized administrative system, which aimed to streamline the Ottoman bureaucracy and make it more efficient. The reforms included the establishment of new ministries, such as the Ministry of Education, which aimed to modernize the Ottoman educational system.
Despite these reforms, there were significant limitations to the Tanzimat reforms. For example, the reforms were limited in their scope and did not address the underlying social and economic inequalities that persisted in Ottoman society. Additionally, the reforms were not always implemented effectively, as they were often resisted by powerful elites who benefited from the status quo.
In conclusion, the Tanzimat reforms were a significant period of reform in the Ottoman Empire, which aimed to modernize and centralize the administrative system, establish a parliamentary system, and modernize the legal system. While these reforms represented an important step forward for the Ottoman Empire, they were limited in their scope and did not address the underlying social and economic inequalities that persisted in Ottoman society.
