Deposition of Sultan Abdul Hamid II and Succession of Mehmed V

On April 27, 1909, a significant political shift occurred in the Ottoman Empire when Sultan Abdul Hamid II was deposed and succeeded by his brother, Mehmed V. This event marked a pivotal moment in the late Ottoman period, reflecting the internal and external pressures facing the empire.

Context Leading to the Deposition

Abdul Hamid II ascended to the throne in 1876 and initially implemented a constitution and parliamentary system. However, he soon suspended these reforms, ruling as an autocrat and emphasizing pan-Islamism as a unifying ideology for the empire’s diverse subjects. His reign was characterized by significant modernization efforts, including infrastructure development and educational reforms, but also by increasing authoritarianism and censorship.

The Young Turk Revolution of 1908 was a critical precursor to Abdul Hamid’s deposition. The Young Turks, a reformist group within the empire, sought to restore the 1876 constitution and reinstate parliamentary governance. Their successful revolution forced Abdul Hamid to reconvene the parliament and restore the constitution, but tensions remained high.

The 31 March Incident

The immediate catalyst for Abdul Hamid’s deposition was the 31 March Incident (April 13, 1909, in the Julian calendar), a counter-revolutionary uprising by conservative factions within the Ottoman military and religious groups who opposed the Young Turks’ reforms. The revolt was quickly suppressed by the Action Army, led by Mahmud Shevket Pasha, a supporter of the Young Turks.

Deposition and Succession

Following the suppression of the uprising, the Ottoman parliament decided to depose Abdul Hamid II. On April 27, 1909, he was officially removed from power. His brother, Mehmed V, was proclaimed the new Sultan. Mehmed V’s reign was largely ceremonial, with real power residing in the hands of the Young Turks and the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP).

Aftermath and Historical Significance

The deposition of Abdul Hamid II marked the end of absolute monarchy in the Ottoman Empire and the beginning of a constitutional era. However, the empire continued to face significant challenges, including internal dissent, nationalist movements, and external pressures from European powers.

Mehmed V’s reign saw the empire’s involvement in World War I, which ultimately led to its dissolution. The deposition of Abdul Hamid II and the subsequent political changes were crucial in shaping the final years of the Ottoman Empire and the emergence of modern Turkey.

This event underscores the complex interplay of reform, resistance, and revolution in the late Ottoman period, highlighting the empire’s struggle to adapt to a rapidly changing world.