Timeline November 1839

Events in November 1839 1

• 1839 Gülhane Edict -- the founding charter of reform The Gülhane Edict (Hatt-ı Şerif of Gülhane, 3 November 1839) is the founding document of the Tanzimat era. Promulgated by the new sultan Abdülmecid I (19 years old, four months after his accession), it promises security of life, honour and property for all Ottoman subjects; regular collection of taxes (replacing arbitrary impositions); a fixed term of military service; and equal treatment regardless of religion. The edict is partly a response to European pressure, partly a genuine reformist initiative by the foreign minister Mustafa Reşid Pasha, and partly a diplomatic manoeuvre to gain European support against Muhammad Ali of Egypt. Its promises are only partly fulfilled -- but it establishes the principle of rights-based governance.