[32] The Ascent and Decline of The Ottoman Empire
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Sultan Abdul Aziz (1277 – 1293 AH / 1861 – 1876)
He ascended to the throne following his brother in the late year of 1277 AH. During his reign, a revolution erupted in the island of Crete, which was suppressed in 1283 AH /1863. The Suez Canal was inaugurated in 1385 AH / 1869, and during the early years of his rule, the Judicial Regulations magazine and the Maritime Trade Law were published. He traveled to Europe and contemplated taking advantage of the rivalries among European nations; however, he discovered that they were united in their opposition to the Ottoman Empire, viewing it as an Islamic state. The Europeans could not shake off the deep-seated animosity rooted in their history, although they often disagreed among themselves based on their individual interests.
They were determined to exert pressure on the Ottoman government to continue its reform efforts and purported advancement along Western lines, European thought, and secular principles. Sultan Abdul Aziz was committed to following the path established by his father, Mahmud II, and his brother, Abdul Majid. He retained all officials responsible for implementing the reforms. Among the most significant administrative reforms during his reign was the enactment of the Provincial Law in 1281 AH (1864). Additionally, a Supreme Judicial Court, known as the Council of Judicial Decisions, was established. In 1385 AH (1868), a State Council modeled after the French system was created, referred to as the Council of State, which had the crucial responsibility of discussing the budget.
In the field of education, a secondary school was established in 1285 AH /1868, known as “Galatasaray.” The curriculum offered at this institution was superior to that of other secondary schools, with all subjects taught in French, except for the Turkish language. The primary objective of founding this school was to produce a group of young individuals capable of fulfilling public service roles. The student body comprised individuals from various religious backgrounds, predominantly Muslims, but also included Greeks, Armenians, who were Christians, as well as a number of Jews. In fact, the school attracted a significant number of students, reaching a total of 600 in 1869, encompassing Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Despite the reform measures implemented during the reign of Sultan Abdul Aziz, European nations deemed them insufficient as evidence of the Ottoman Empire’s genuine desire for reform. They believed that the efforts to improve the conditions of Christian subjects and to eradicate the widespread corruption within the administrative and governmental systems were inadequate. Many contemporary observers in Europe viewed these corrupt practices as a significant threat that could ultimately lead to the collapse of the state. [Footnote a]
Many English contemporaries, along with others, believed that the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire had become inevitable due to its failure to adopt European reform methods. In 1865, British Foreign Secretary Lord Clarendon stated that the only way to improve the situation of the Ottomans was to completely remove them from existence. This sentiment underscores the animosity that Christians held towards the Ottoman Empire, which had previously defeated them, particularly following the conquest of Constantinople. [Footnote b] The Ottoman Empire failed to adopt European reform principles due to the complete disconnection between European ideals and the principles of the Ottoman state, which were derived from the Book of Allah and the teachings of His Messenger.
The Deposition of Sultan Abdul Aziz:
He had traveled to Europe, where he observed the collusion among European nations against the Ottoman Empire. He sought to take advanatge of the existing conflicts of interest between Western European countries and Russia to benefit the Ottoman state. Consequently, he began to frequently invite the Russian ambassador to Istanbul. This action alarmed the European powers, leading them to spread rumours about his extravagance and wastefulness. Ultimately, Mehmed Pasha succeeded in deposing him and, along with his associates, orchestrated his assassination in the year 1293 AH / 1876. Medmed Pasha was a member of the Donmeh Jews, [Footnote c] and Masonic propaganda promoted him throughout the Arab and Western regions as a great hero and the champion of reform and freedom within the Ottoman Empire, earning him the title of “Father of the Constitution.” His supporters utilised various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and radio broadcasts, to elevate his status, leading him to attain high-ranking positions such as the governorship of Syria and Iraq, as well as the Grand Vizier, the highest office in the Ottoman Empire. Subsequently, he began to undermine and sabotage the system, driven by his Jewish and Masonic affiliations. He, along with the global Masonic network of Donmeh Jews, established the “Committee of Union and Progress,” which adopted the same emblem as Masonry and set its headquarters in Blanick. Eventually, some of his actions were revealed to Sultan Abdul Hamid, who subsequently arrested him, dismissed him from his position, and later exiled him. [Footnote d]
The assassination of Sultan Abdul Aziz can be attributed to his outright rejection of Western constitutions and customs that were incompatible with Islamic values. He made significant strides in reforming the Ottoman Empire, particularly in the military sector. He strengthened the army by replacing outdated weaponry with modern arms, sourcing the necessary equipment from the finest weapon manufacturers in Europe. Additionally, he implemented military organization based on contemporary standards and established military units composed of members from various tribes and provinces, equipping forts and castles with the most advanced artillery available.
The Ottoman Empire’s artillery became a benchmark for advancement, thanks to the reforms implemented by Dar al-Madani al-Tubkhana, where modern equipment and machinery were introduced. This transformation enabled the production of all types of new weaponry. Additionally, significant improvements were made in the naval sector, with Ottoman experts replacing foreign specialists despite their objections and those of their countries. Under his leadership, the Ottoman Empire emerged as one of the leading maritime powers globally. He initiated the dispatch of naval missions abroad, procured armored vessels, and established several factories for their production, as well as for machinery and boilers. The Izmit manufacturing facility regained its former glory, while numerous shipyards were renovated. He also founded the Journal of Judicial Regulations and worked diligently to uphold justice, holding accountable high-ranking officials such as Khosrow Pasha, Atif Pasha, and Tahir Pasha. This commitment to justice and reform was evident to the public, but it did not sit well with European nations, which preferred a state of oppression that would hasten the empire’s decline.
Furthermore, he implemented financial reforms, mandated a balanced budget, abolished outdated financial lists, and settled the state’s debts, leading to a monetary system and a more organized financial situation. European nations were alarmed by the rapid actions taken by this sultan, which disrupted their plans to eliminate the “sick man” of the East. Consequently, they devised a conspiracy to depose and subsequently assassinate him. The origins of the conspiracy surrounding the assassination of Sultan Abdul Aziz can be traced back to a well-orchestrated plan devised by the consuls and representatives of European nations in the Ottoman capital. They executed this plan through their agents, who were influenced by their ideologies, including prominent figures in the government. Notably, the Freemason operative known as Mehmed Pasha admitted during his trial to his involvement in the deposition and murder of Sultan Abdul Aziz, a fact that is historically recognized and documented in various records.
An Excerpt from ‘Ad-Dawlah Al-Uthmaaniyyah Awaamil An-Nuhood Wa Asbaab As-Suqoot. 6/435-438
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Footnote a: This tactic is widely recognized as one employed by the opponent, who instigates internal conflict and subsequently presents itself as a benefactor or rescuer, similar to a fireman arsonist.
Footnote b: Read on this link: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Part-One_Our-Ottoman-Brothers_Ascendancy-And-Decline.pdf
Footnote c: One of the works written on this subject matter is the book title: “The Secret Jews” by Joachim Prinz 1973. ISBN 0-394-47204-7
Footnote d: The author offers limited information in this section about the degree of this individual’s participation in the sultan’s assassination. However, regardless of his level of involvement or collaboration with external enemies of the state, the seriousness of taking a Muslim’s life is well-known. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The murder of a believer is a greater tragedy to Allah than the end of the world”. [Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1395]