H2 XIXyyda Osmanli Devletinde Yenilik Hareketleri Part3

Summary

This video script delves into the concept of Meşrutiyet (Constitutionalism) in the Ottoman Empire, highlighting the First and Second Constitutional Periods. It explores the rise of constitutional governance as a response to absolute monarchy, with key figures like Namık Kemal, Ziya Paşa, and Mithat Paşa advocating for reform. The script details the implementation of the Kanuni Esasi constitution in 1876, its suspension by Sultan Abdulhamid II, and the eventual restoration of the constitution in 1908 by the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP). Despite reforms, internal and external challenges led to the empire's eventual collapse.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of **Meşrutiyet** (Constitutional Monarchy) refers to a governance system where power is shared between a monarch and an elected parliament, along with a constitution.
• 😀 The **First Meşrutiyet** was established in 1876 with the enactment of the **Kanuni Esasi** (Basic Laws), which limited the Sultan’s powers and introduced a parliamentary system.
• 😀 **Mutlakiyet** (absolute monarchy) and **Cumhuriyet** (republic) were two other political systems compared with **Meşrutiyet** as part of the broader discussion on governance in the Ottoman Empire.
• 😀 The **Young Ottomans** and **Jön Türkler** (Young Turks) movements were key intellectual forces pushing for constitutional reforms in the Ottoman Empire, advocating for a modernized system.
• 😀 The **Kanuni Esasi** created two legislative bodies: the **Meclis-i Mebusan** (elected parliament) and the **Meclis-i Ayan** (appointed Senate), which together formed the **General Assembly** of the Ottoman Empire.
• 😀 The **First Meşrutiyet** ended due to political instability, external defeats (like the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78), and internal pressure, leading to Sultan Abdülhamid II suspending the constitution.
• 😀 **The Second Meşrutiyet**, initiated in 1908 after the **İttihat ve Terakki Cemiyeti** (Committee of Union and Progress) deposed Abdülhamid II, restored the **Kanuni Esasi** and further limited the Sultan’s power.
• 😀 **İttihat ve Terakki Cemiyeti** was instrumental in the second constitutional period, aiming to modernize the empire and address its internal and external challenges, including the potential threat of partition by foreign powers.
• 😀 Despite reforms, the **Second Meşrutiyet** failed to prevent the empire’s collapse, marked by territorial losses to nations like Bulgaria, Greece, and Austria-Hungary, and continued internal turmoil.
• 😀 The **31 Mart Ayaklanması** (31 March Rebellion) in 1909, a key event during the **Second Meşrutiyet**, led to the deposition of Sultan Abdülhamid II and the consolidation of power by the **İttihat ve Terakki**.
• 😀 Political movements like **Pan-Islamism** and **Pan-Turkism** emerged, with different factions advocating for the unity of Muslims and Turks worldwide to strengthen the empire's political and cultural influence.

Q & A

What is the meaning of 'Meşrutiyet' in the context of the Ottoman Empire?

In the Ottoman Empire, 'Meşrutiyet' refers to a system of constitutional monarchy where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, and a parliament is established to represent the people and participate in governance.

What are the three main forms of government mentioned in the lecture?

The three main forms of government are: 1) **Mutlakiyet** (absolute monarchy) where one person has absolute power; 2) **Meşrutiyet** (constitutional monarchy) where power is shared with a constitution and parliament; and 3) **Cumhuriyet** (republic) where power is vested directly in the people.

How did the 'Young Ottomans' contribute to the development of constitutional monarchy in the Ottoman Empire?

The 'Young Ottomans,' a group of intellectuals including Namık Kemal and Ziya Paşa, advocated for a constitutional monarchy. They sought to limit the Sultan's absolute powers through a constitution and establish a parliament to represent the people.

What was the role of the 'Kanuni Esasi' in the First Meşrutiyet?

The 'Kanuni Esasi' (Fundamental Law), enacted in 1876, was the first Ottoman constitution that defined the limits of the Sultan's power and established a parliamentary system. It aimed to introduce constitutional monarchy by creating the Meclisi Mebusan (House of Deputies) and the Ayan Meclisi (Senate).

What event led to the suspension of the First Meşrutiyet in 1878?

The First Meşrutiyet was suspended following the Ottoman defeat in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. The loss led to political instability, and Sultan Abdulhamid II used the crisis as an excuse to dissolve the parliament and suspend the constitution.

How did the Young Turks contribute to the Second Meşrutiyet?

The Young Turks, organized under the 'İttihat ve Terakki Cemiyeti' (Committee of Union and Progress), played a central role in the Second Meşrutiyet by organizing a revolution in 1908, which forced Sultan Abdulhamid II to reinstate the constitution and reopen the parliament.

What was the impact of the **31 March Incident** in 1909 on the Ottoman Empire?

The **31 March Incident** in 1909 was a rebellion against the restoration of the constitutional system, resulting in the deposition of Sultan Abdulhamid II. This incident highlighted the instability and challenges in implementing constitutional reforms, though it also marked the rise of the **İttihat ve Terakki** in power.

What changes were made to the Ottoman constitution after the Second Meşrutiyet was declared?

After the declaration of the Second Meşrutiyet in 1908, the **Kanuni Esasi** was amended in 1909 to further limit the Sultan’s powers, including restrictions on vetoing laws, and the establishment of a cabinet system where the prime minister (Sadrazam) was appointed by the Sultan but responsible to the parliament.

What were the political and military challenges faced by the Ottoman Empire after the Second Meşrutiyet?

Following the Second Meşrutiyet, the Ottoman Empire faced significant territorial losses and military defeats, such as Bulgaria’s independence, Greece's occupation of Crete, and Austria-Hungary's annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina. These events weakened the empire, and the constitutional reforms did little to prevent the ongoing decline.

What was the concept of 'Osmanlı milleti' promoted by the Young Ottomans?

'Osmanlı milleti' referred to the idea of a unified Ottoman nation where both Muslim and non-Muslim subjects could live together regardless of religion or ethnicity. It aimed to reduce sectarian divisions and promote unity within the empire.