Gülhane Edict

The Gülhane Edict, issued in 1839 by Sultan Mahmud II of the Ottoman Empire, marked a significant reform movement known as the Tanzimat. It aimed to modernize the empire by ensuring justice, security, and equality for all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity. The edict promised legal reforms, better taxation policies, and the establishment of a more structured administrative system. It was an attempt to address internal issues and external pressures, reflecting a shift towards a more modern, centralized governance and the recognition of individual rights within the empire.