Hatt-i Sharif

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The Hatt-i Sharif (Hatt-ı Şerif) of Gülhane (Noble Edict of the Rose Chamber) was an 1839 proclamation by Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid that launched the Tanzimat period of reforms and reorganization.

The proclamation was issued at the behest of reformist Grand Vizier Mustafa Reshid Pasha. It promised reforms such as the abolition of tax farming, reform of conscription, and greater equality of religion. The goal of the decree was to help modernize the empire militarily and socially so that it could compete with the Great Powers of Europe. It also was hoped the reforms would win over the disaffected parts of the empire, especially in the Ottoman controlled parts of Europe, which were largely Christian.

Some of the most important clauses are as follows:

• In future, the cause of every accused party will he tried publicly, in conformity with our divine law; and until a regular sentence has been pronounced, no one can put another to death, secretly or publicly, by poison, or any other form of punishment.
• No one will be permitted to assail the honour of any one, whosoever he may be.
• Every person will enjoy the possession of his property of every nature, and dispose of it with the most perfect liberty, without any one being able to impede him: thus, for example, the innocent heirs of a criminal will not be deprived of their legal rights, and the property of the criminal will not be confiscated.
• These imperial concessions extend to all our subjects, whatever religion or sect they may belong to; and they will enjoy them without any exception.
• Perfect security is, therefore, granted by us to the inhabitants of the empire, with regard to their life, their honour, and their fortune, as the sacred text of our law demands.
• With reference to the other points, as they must be regulated the concurrence of enlightened opinions, our Council of Justice (augmented by as many new members as may be deemed necessary), to whom will be adjoined, on certain days which we shall appoint our Ministers and the notables of the empire, will meet for the purpose of establishing the fundamental laws on those points relating to the security of life and property, and the imposition of the taxes. Every one in these assemblies will state his ideas freely, auth give his opinion.
• The laws relating to the regulations of the military service will be discussed by the Military Council, holding its meetings at the Place of the Seraskier. As soon as a law is decided upon, it will be presented to us, and in order that it may be eternally valid and applicable will confirm it by our sanction, written above it with our imperial hand.
• As these present institutions are solely intended for the regeneration of religion, government, the nation, and the Empire, we to do nothing which may be opposed to them.!’

[edit] References

• Incorporates text from History of Ottoman Turks (1878)