Overview
Abdülmecid I came to the throne at sixteen and reigned through the first great wave of Ottoman reform, the Tanzimat. He promised equal treatment to all subjects regardless of religion.
Rise to Power
He succeeded his father Mahmud II in July 1839.
Rule and Achievements
- The Edict of Gülhane (November 1839) promised security of life and property and fair taxation to all subjects
- Fought Russia in the Crimean War with Britain and France; the Treaty of Paris (1856) admitted the empire to the Concert of Europe
- The Reform Edict of 1856 declared Muslims and non-Muslims equal before the law
- Moved the court to the new Dolmabahçe Palace in 1856
Legacy
He died in 1861 and was succeeded by his brother Abdülaziz.