1826 Edict (Auspicious Incident)

The 1826 Edict, also known as the "Auspicious Incident," refers to a significant event in Ottoman history where Sultan Mahmud II sought to modernize and consolidate his power. It involved the suppression of the Janissaries, an elite military corps that had become a powerful political force. On June 15, 1826, Mahmud II ordered their disbandment, leading to a violent clash resulting in their defeat. This event marked a turning point, allowing the Sultan to implement reforms to modernize the military and administration, ultimately paving the way for the Tanzimat period of modernization in the Ottoman Empire.