Rescript of Gülhane

The Rescript of Gülhane, issued in 1839 in the Ottoman Empire, marked a significant reform movement aimed at modernizing the state and protecting the rights of its citizens. It established principles such as legal equality, security of life and property, and the right to a fair trial. This document sought to strengthen the empire against internal strife and external threats by adopting European-style reforms in administration and governance. The Rescript laid the groundwork for later reforms, known as the Tanzimat, which aimed to modernize the empire and improve its standing in the world.