Transformation of the Ottoman Empire

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the transformation of the Ottoman Empire.

Decentralization

The process where control is distributed away from a central authority, leading to internal unrest and revolts within the military corps.

Capitulations

Agreements that extend privileges to non-Muslim subjects in the Ottoman Empire, affecting trade and taxation.

Selim III

Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1789 to 1807 known for his reform efforts and the introduction of modernization in the military.

Napoleon Bonaparte

French military leader whose 1798 invasion of Egypt signified European military superiority over the Ottoman Empire.

Qajar dynasty

A new ruling dynasty in Iran established around 1794, succeeding the Safavid rule.

Nizam-I-Jedid

'Army of the New Order,' established by Selim III in 1792, aimed to modernize the Ottoman military following European standards.

Janissaries

Elite infantry units of the Ottoman Empire who opposed reforms initiated by Selim III and resisted military modernization.

Economic Decline

A significant downturn in the economic conditions of the Ottoman Empire during Selim III's reign, exacerbated by military expenditures.

Imperial Divan

The council of state in the Ottoman administration where important decisions were made, which Selim III sought to reorganize.

Naval Engineering School

An institution founded by Selim III to improve naval capabilities and military technology, enhancing the Ottoman navy.

Decentralization

The process where control is distributed away from a central authority, leading to internal unrest and revolts within the military corps.

Capitulations

Agreements that extend privileges to non-Muslim subjects in the Ottoman Empire, affecting trade and taxation.

Selim III

Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1789 to 1807 known for his reform efforts and the introduction of modernization in the military.

Napoleon Bonaparte

French military leader whose 1798 invasion of Egypt signified European military superiority over the Ottoman Empire.

Qajar dynasty

A new ruling dynasty in Iran established around 1794, succeeding the Safavid rule.

Nizam-I-Jedid

'Army of the New Order,' established by Selim III in 1792, aimed to modernize the Ottoman military following European standards.

Janissaries

Elite infantry units of the Ottoman Empire who opposed reforms initiated by Selim III and resisted military modernization.

Economic Decline

A significant downturn in the economic conditions of the Ottoman Empire during Selim III's reign, exacerbated by military expenditures.

Imperial Divan

The council of state in the Ottoman administration where important decisions were made, which Selim III sought to reorganize.

Naval Engineering School

An institution founded by Selim III to improve naval capabilities and military technology, enhancing the Ottoman navy.

Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca

A 1774 treaty that formally ended the Russo-Turkish War, resulting in significant territorial losses for the Ottomans and granting Russia privileges in the Black Sea and protection over Orthodox Christians within the Ottoman Empire.

Ulema

The body of Muslim scholars trained in Islamic law and theology, who often opposed Selim III's reforms, viewing them as un-Islamic Western innovations.

Deposition of Selim III

The overthrow of Sultan Selim III in 1807 by a Janissary revolt, prompted by his reformist policies, leading to his imprisonment and eventual assassination.

Ayan

Local notables or provincial magnates who gained increasing autonomy and power in the Ottoman Empire, challenging central authority and contributing to decentralization.

Decentralization

The process where control is distributed away from a central authority, leading to internal unrest and revolts within the military corps.

Capitulations

Agreements that extend privileges to non-Muslim subjects in the Ottoman Empire, affecting trade and taxation.

Selim III

Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1789 to 1807 known for his reform efforts and the introduction of modernization in the military.

Napoleon Bonaparte

French military leader whose 1798 invasion of Egypt signified European military superiority over the Ottoman Empire.

Qajar dynasty

A new ruling dynasty in Iran established around 1794, succeeding the Safavid rule.

Nizam-I-Jedid

'Army of the New Order,' established by Selim III in 1792, aimed to modernize the Ottoman military following European standards.

Janissaries

Elite infantry units of the Ottoman Empire who opposed reforms initiated by Selim III and resisted military modernization.

Economic Decline

A significant downturn in the economic conditions of the Ottoman Empire during Selim III's reign, exacerbated by military expenditures.

Imperial Divan

The council of state in the Ottoman administration where important decisions were made, which Selim III sought to reorganize.

Naval Engineering School

An institution founded by Selim III to improve naval capabilities and military technology, enhancing the Ottoman navy.

Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca

A 1774 treaty that formally ended the Russo-Turkish War, resulting in significant territorial losses for the Ottomans and granting Russia privileges in the Black Sea and protection over Orthodox Christians within the Ottoman Empire.

Ulema

The body of Muslim scholars trained in Islamic law and theology, who often opposed Selim III's reforms, viewing them as un-Islamic Western innovations.

Deposition of Selim III

The overthrow of Sultan Selim III in 1807 by a Janissary revolt, prompted by his reformist policies, leading to his imprisonment and eventual assassination.

Ayan

Local notables or provincial magnates who gained increasing autonomy and power in the Ottoman Empire, challenging central authority and contributing to decentralization.

Internal Causes of Ottoman Decline in the Late 18th Century

Factors such as Janissary opposition, increasing decentralization of power to Ayan, and conservative Ulema resistance that collectively hindered significant reform efforts within the Ottoman Empire.

External Causes of Ottoman Decline in the Late 18th Century

Pressures including the military superiority of European powers, economic penetration through Capitulations, and significant territorial losses exemplified by treaties like Küçük Kaynarca, all of which challenged Ottoman sovereignty and stability.

Mamluks (Egypt)

A powerful military class that governed Egypt prior to and during Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion in 1798, whose defeat highlighted the technological and organizational gap between Ottoman-aligned forces and European armies.

Tanzimat Reforms

A series of governmental reforms, initiated from 1839 onwards, directly influenced by the failures and lessons learned from Selim III's earlier attempts at modernization, aiming to centralize power and adopt Western legal, educational, and military systems.