1. The Ottoman Empire in the Age of Imperialism

2. The 18th Century Central gov’t lost power to provinces
Large landholders increased their independence and diverted imperial funds
Mecca and Medina lost to Wahabis
Mamluks of Egypt emerged as local military force

3. Napoleon in Egypt Napoleon invaded Egypt in 1798
Mamluk forces quickly defeated
After being cut off by the British Navy, French withdrew in 1801
Muhammad Ali sent by sultan to restore Ottoman control in Egypt

4. “Battle of the Pyramids” (1798)

5. Egyptian Reform Muhammad Ali seized power for himself in 1805
Success of Napoleon’s invasion convinced him of the need for reform
Examples:
-Mamluks eliminated as a class
-French practice of conscription introduced
-Professional military schools opened
These reforms set an example for the Ottomans

6. Ottoman Reform
Sultan Selim III began a modernization program in late 18th c.
Janissaries resisted creation of new military units
Janissary revolt in Serbia led to effective independence

7. Ulama (religious scholars) also resisted reforms
Rebellion in Istanbul resulted in capture and execution of Selim III
Successor Mahmud II embarked on more radical reforms
Ottoman loss of Greece justified elimination of janissaries once and for all

8. Tanzimat reforms made secularization of Ottoman society and gov’t a goal
Reforms continued throughout 19th c., but so did foreign interference and revolts by ethnic minorities
Nationalist “Young Turks” came to power in 1908