Islahat Fermani

Islahat Fermani, issued in 1856, was an Ottoman imperial decree aimed at modernizing and reforming the empire’s administrative, legal, and military systems. It sought to modernize Ottoman society by introducing reforms that reduced the power of traditional elites, promoted equality among different religious communities, and signaled a shift towards a more centralized, bureaucratic governance. While it aimed to modernize the empire, the reforms faced resistance and challenges, reflecting the complex process of Ottoman modernization and attempts to adapt to European advancements during the 19th century.