REIGN AND REFORMS OF SULTAN MAHMUT II (1808-1839)

Elchin Suleymanov

Sultan Mahmud II (r. 1808–1839) was a transformative figure in the history of the Ottoman Empire, renowned for his extensive reforms aimed at modernizing the state and centralizing power. His reign marked a significant shift from traditional Ottoman practices to a more centralized, bureaucratic structure in response to the empire’s growing challenges, including military decline, internal discontent, and external pressures from European powers. Key reforms included the abolition of the Janissary Corps in the Auspicious Incident (1826), the creation of a new modern army, and the introduction of legal and administrative changes. Mahmud II also fostered the development of secular education, promoted Western-style infrastructure, and worked to strengthen the empire’s financial and military systems. Despite facing significant resistance, his efforts laid the groundwork for future modernization in the Tanzimat period. Mahmud II’s reign represents a critical turning point in the Ottoman Empire’s history, balancing tradition and reform to ensure its survival in an era of significant transformation. Keywords: Sultan Mahmud II, Ottoman Empire, reforms, Janissary Corps, Auspicious Tanzimat, education, centralization.