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The Kanûn-ı Esâsî (قانون اساسى) was the first constitution of the Ottoman Empire. Meaning "basic law" in Ottoman Turkish, it was written by members of the Young Ottomans, particularly Ahmed Şefik Midhat Pasha, during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II (1876–1909). The constitution was only in effect for two years, from 1876 to 1878. A large part of the reason for the Constitution’s existence was Midhat’s recognition of the need for a check on the power of the Sultan. However, the Constitution that was put in place certainly represented a form of autocracy. The Constitution, under supervision of Abdulhamid II, really did not limit the power of the ruler whatsoever. For example, Abdulhamid could deport persons harmful to the state, essentially giving him the power to rid the Ottoman Empire of those opposing him. Although the rules in the Constitution had been twisted to suit Abdulhamid’s needs, it was abolished in 1878, and those who created it were exiled. Midhat was put to death.
Framework The Constitution proposed a parliament divided into two parts: The senators were elected by the Sultan, and the Chamber of Deputies was elected by the people, although not directly (they chose delegates who would then choose the Deputies). There were also elections held every 4 years to keep the parliament changing and to continually express the voice of the people. This same framework carried over from the Constitution as it was in 1876 until it was reinstated in 1908.
Second Constitutional Era The Constitution was put back into effect in 1908 as Abdulhamid came under pressure, particularly from some of his military leaders. Abdulhamid’s fall came as a result of the Young Turk revolution, and these Young Turks put the Constitution back into effect. The second constitutional period spanned from 1908 until after World War I when the Ottoman Empire was dissolved. Political groups and parties were formed during this period, including the CUP (Committee of Union and Progress).
Significance of the Constitution The Ottoman Constitution represented more than the immediate effect it had on the country. It originally represented the country’s willingness to change and grow, even partially westernize. The liberal thinking and intellectualism that came along with the creation of the Constitution were new to the Ottoman Empire and represented a new, progressive generation of Ottomans. Despite its original failure, the Constitution did show some positives. It allowed the leadership to slowly transform from totalitarian to a more democratic system, which included political parties and elections. These had to an extent dissolved the totalitarianism, although a form of military dictatorship ensued after the Constitution was reenacted.
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