In the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire faced significant internal challenges that led to dramatic political changes. One of the most pivotal moments in this period was the response of Sultan Abdul Hamid II to a military revolt, which marked a significant turning point in the empire’s governance.
The Transformation of Sultan Abdul Hamid II
Sultan Abdul Hamid II, facing an insurmountable military revolt, undertook a drastic transformation from an autocratic ruler to a constitutional monarch almost overnight. This change was initiated by lifting censorship of the press and calling for the establishment of a national parliament based on the principle of universal suffrage. The abruptness and totality of Abdul Hamid II’s policy reversal caught everyone off guard. This move led to widespread celebration as the Young Turks, a revolutionary group advocating for reform and modernization, took control of government offices and oversaw the electoral process.
The Rise of the Young Turks
With the newfound freedom and the establishment of a national parliament, the Young Turks quickly formed a central managing committee. Enver Bey, a prominent figure within the Young Turk movement, assumed leadership of this committee. The committee soon began to exercise significant influence over the empire’s governance, rendering the new parliament largely inexperienced and effectively acting as a stamp of approval for the decisions made by the Young Turks.
Abdul Hamid’s Counter-Revolution
Despite his initial retreat from absolute power, Abdul Hamid did not sit idly by. He strategically gathered support from conservative factions and individuals disillusioned with the inexperienced and, at times, self-serving nature of the new ruling powers. By April 1909, he had amassed enough strength to spearhead a counter-revolution. This movement successfully recaptured Constantinople and temporarily displaced the Young Turk government.
The Young Turks’ Resurgence and the Fall of Abdul Hamid
However, the victory of Abdul Hamid’s counter-revolution was short-lived. The Young Turks managed to organize the army for a second time and fought to reclaim the capital, succeeding after just five hours of combat. In the aftermath of their victory, the Young Turks persuaded the parliament to depose Abdul Hamid II. They replaced him with his younger brother, Mohammad V, who was considered more compliant and better suited to serve as a figurehead for their administration.
Mohammad V: A Figurehead for Reform
Mohammad V ascended to the throne during a tumultuous time but served as the ideal symbolic leader for the Young Turks. His reign combined the traditional aspects of legitimate succession with a willingness to acquiesce to the wishes of his ministers. This allowed the Young Turks to maintain the appearance of continuity and legitimacy while implementing their reformist agenda.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did the transition from autocracy to constitutional monarchy impact the political structure of the Ottoman Empire?
2. What were the main factors that contributed to the success of the Young Turks in recapturing Constantinople after Abdul Hamid’s counter-revolution?
3. In what ways did the deposition of Abdul Hamid II and the accession of Mohammad V reflect the broader political and social changes occurring within the Ottoman Empire at the time?