19th Century Ottoman Empire: The Pavilion Of Nestabad

This verse from the Ottoman poet Ederunulu Fazil Bey, though intended to describe the pavilion of Nestabad, inadvertently encapsulates the nature of 19th century Ottoman society. The 18th century was a time of cultural, societal, and political development within the Ottoman Empire, resulting from increased foreign (mainly European) influence. This development was manifested in 18th century Ottoman architecture, 19th century municipal reforms, and the Hatt-i Serif Gulhane-- all of which hold distinct parallels in their development. Using Hamadeh’s analysis on Ottoman architecture and poetry in the context of society and politics, we are provided insights as to how and why this evolution occurred.

Cultural development in the Ottoman Empire

Unlike the indirect cultural influence that led to the featuring of European architectural elements on Ottoman structures, European influence played a more direct role in the production of the decree. The decree came during the midst of a conflict between the empire and Mehmet Ali, the former Ottoman governor of Egypt who developed his jurisdiction into a near autonomous state, seized Syrian lands, and threatened to invade Turkey. (Islamfiche, 1) This conflict came at a time in which the Ottoman Empire was facing “internal decline,” and defeating Mehmet Ali necessitated foreign military assistance. In promulgating the Gulhane decree, the Ottoman Empire appeased and coerced Britain, a nation that was openly critical of Ottoman policy, into assisting the empire in their effort against Ali. In the Hatt-i Serif of Gulhane, the decline of the Ottoman Empire is addressed, and is seen as a result of the nation not following Islamic Law (Sharia). With the transgressions of the empire stated, the decree addresses security, taxation, and military conscription. Near the conclusion of the decree lies a statement that is integral to Tanzimat reform: “The Muslim and non-Muslim subjects of our lofty Sultanate shall, without exception, enjoy our imperial concessions.” (Islamfiche, 4) This statement, while not overtly influenced by European political theory, grants all Ottoman subjects regardless of religion, the “right” to participate in the Ottoman military. This statement permits the Ottoman Empire to engage in an uniform (geographically) military conscription process, which was analogous to the standing European system of conscription. After the decree, Britain provided military assistance to the Ottomans and prevented Mehmet Ali from advancing