Abdülhamid II: An Intelligent and Patient Ottoman Sultan

Abdülhamid II was the 34th sultan of the Ottoman Empire. He reigned for exactly 33 years, from 1876 to 1909. During this long period of rule, the Ottoman Empire faced numerous challenges. Abdülhamid II was a patient, cautious and forward-thinking sultan. He worked tirelessly to ensure the survival of the state and placed great importance on education, science and communication. He is also known among the people as “Ulu Hakan”.

The Sultan of a Difficult Era

When Abdülhamid II ascended the throne, the Ottoman Empire was in a period of crisis. Revolts had broken out in many regions and economic difficulties were growing. He therefore first proclaimed the Constitutional Monarchy, allowing the public to participate in governance. However, as wars and unrest increased, he dissolved the parliament and began to rule the state alone. Abdülhamid II adopted this method to protect the state and maintain order.

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Emphasis on Education and Science

Abdülhamid II believed that education was vital for the future of the Ottoman Empire. He therefore established many schools. Some of the schools still in use today were founded during his reign. Institutions offering education in engineering, medicine, teaching and law were opened, and the education of girls was also supported. At the same time, libraries, printing presses and museums multiplied during his period.

The Sultan Who Brought Distant Regions Closer

Abdülhamid II also made significant advances in communication and transportation. Telegram lines enabled news to be received from every corner of the country. One of his most important projects was the Hejaz Railway. This railway allowed people to travel more easily to Mecca and Medina. Moreover, the line strengthened the connections between different parts of the Ottoman territories.

Contributions to Art and Architecture

Support was also given to the fine arts during the reign of Abdülhamid II. Painting, architecture and photography particularly flourished. Thanks to the sultan’s interest in photography, images were collected from all over the world, creating a vast visual archive. Yıldız Palace became the heart of the Ottoman administration during his time.

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A Ruler Rich in Knowledge

Abdülhamid II was an avid reader. He had a deep interest in history, geography, religion and politics, and closely followed every development. He also knew foreign languages, particularly Arabic, French and Persian. At the same time, he paid attention to the problems of the people and secretly assisted many individuals.

His Final Years and Legacy

Deposed in 1909, Abdülhamid II spent the final years of his life in Istanbul. He left behind a strong educational system, major projects and an extensive library. The institutions he founded continue to operate today. With his patience and intelligence, he remains one of the most significant sultans in our history.

References:

· Ali Akyıldız, Ottoman Politics in the Reign of Abdülhamid II, Istanbul: Kitabevi Yayınları.

· İlber Ortaylı, The Lives of the Sultans, Timaş Yayınları.

· Yıldız Technical University, Abdülhamid II and His Era.

· Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, “Hejaz Railway” brochure.

· Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, “Abdülhamid Era in Our Educational History”.

· İkbal Betül Armağan, My Animal-Loving Father Abdülhamid Han, Istanbul: Timaş Yayınları, 2017.