Revolutionary Ottoman sultan in photo book

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey National Palaces and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's cultural enterprise, İstanbul Kültür A.Ş., have published a book on Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid. The book entitled "Sultan Abdülmecid and His Time: 1823-1861," presents the life of the 31st sultan of the Ottoman Empire and developments during his reign. Apart from Abdülmecid's personality and personal life, the book also sheds light on developments in law, economy, politics, administration, art, architecture and literature. Prepared for publication by Kemal Kahraman, PhD., the book also features many photographs provided by many institutions, especially the archive of National Palaces.

According to the book, Sultan Abdülmecid, who was a pioneer, reigned for 22 years of his 38 years of life. The sultan, who continued the modernity movement that his father Mahmud II started, broke new ground in various fields. However, he was criticized due to reforms that imitated the West.

One of the last four sultans of the Ottoman Empire, Sultan Abdülmecid moved out of Topkapı Palace, which had been used for almost four centuries since the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror, and had Dolmabahçe Palace built, starting the modernity movement. During his reign, the empire witnessed many firsts, such as the first bank, first ferry enterprise, first western style palace, first opera, first theater, first ball, first state almanac, first overseas trip, first economic crisis and the first mass protest. Moreover, the first Ottoman sultan to wear European decorations was also Sultan Abdülmecid. He also opened an Ottoman school in Paris where talented children could be educated abroad.

Sultan Abdülmecid was the sultan that ordered railroad construction in Anatolia between İzmir and Aydın. During his reign, Istanbul began to be ruled by municipalities instead of kadıs (Muslim judges), and the first municipality building was built in Beyoğlu. The first tube tunnel project under the Bosporus from Sarayburnu to Üsküdar belonged to Sultan Abdülmecid. The Galata Bridge was also built upon the orders of Sultan Abdülmecid. While the book focuses on the personality and private life of the sultan, it also offers information on the charity work of his mother. The sultan made great contributions to Mecca and Medina, had mosques built, visited the mosque for Friday prayers, read the Quran and secured the traditional structure of his country by performing calligraphy. He also embraced a Western identity - he could speak French with foreign diplomats, played the piano and attended balls. According to the book, the foundations for the modernization of the Ottoman Empire were laid during the reign of Abdülmecid. This modernity movement was not only seen in politics but also in education, as the state began to offer secular education along with traditional religious education. During this era, the idea of an Ottoman university emerged. According to a modern model, the Ottoman university was thought to be established in Istanbul, which would be different from madrasahs. Moreover, it was thought that this university should also be established in other cities. Also, foundations for western publications, modern transportation systems, Masonic societies, import and export companies, and modern communication systems were laid during this period.

The book also studies the example of Hereke Fabrika-i Hümâyûnu (Hereke State Factory), while shedding light on the transition from a traditional agricultural society to industrial society, private sector investments and the transition from workshops factory. In the section "Politics and Administrative Organization," and "Friendly Occupation," in which the Crimea War and first external loan are investigated, the "Kuleli Incident," the first coup attempt, and examples of local administrations in Ankara, Edirne and Bulgaria stand out.