Turkey 1837 CE

What is happening in Turkey in 1837CE

By the time Sultan Selim III (1789-1807) came to the throne, the Ottoman state was in dire need of modernization if it was to stand any chance of standing up to the European powers which were now threatening it. Selim attempted reform, but his moves in that direction were met by fierce opposition from Janissaries and the Ulema, and eventually he was dethroned. His successor, Mahmud II (1808-39) has also been aware of the need for reform, but initially moved more cautiously, working to gain the support of the Ulema. When he was ready, he struck against the Janisseries, ruthlessly eliminating them (1826). The Ottoman government has since embarked on a remarkable programme of modernization. The old feudal (“timar”) system has been abolished, and the army and administration have been westernised. The government’s authority has been re-imposed on the central provinces, though some regions such as Greece and Serbia have seceded, either officially or unofficially, with European connivance; and the first steps are being taken to westernise education – initially to provide western-trained officers and surgeons for the army.

These reforms have largely allowed the Ottoman government to retain the integrity of the empire, in the face of sustained hostilities from Austria and Russia.

Next map, Turkey in 1871