KANUN-Ȋ ESASİ’YE İLANI ÖNCESİNDE TEPKİLER
THE REACTIONS PRIOR TO THE DECLARATION OF THE KANUN-Î ESASI

Summary/Abstract: Constitutions result from the political culture and socio-economic dynamics of societies. Kanun-î Esasi was declared in the last quarter of the 19th century following a lengthy modernization process and efforts to limit the executive's powers. It was the outcome of political activities by the Young Ottomans and liberal reformist state officials, led by Midhat Pasha. The Constitution reflects power relations and conflicts of interest among elites in the Ottoman Empire. Kanun-î Esasi is one of the most significant turning points in Turkish political and legal history. With its entry into force, the source of political legitimacy shifted from the divine to the secular, signifying popular consent. Prior to its proclamation, intense debates took place centered around state officials and the Ulemâ reactions to the constitution were socio-economically based. However, these were transformed into political discourse, particularly by the ulema, who used intense religious and ideological arguments. The goal of the conservative-reactionary state officials and Ulemâ who opposed the Constitution was to maintain the old order, which aligned with their own interests. In contrast, the liberal-reformist elites who supported the Kanun-î Esasi saw its proclamation as a means of protecting the state's territorial integrity by coordinating with the West. This study aims to demonstrate the various dimensions of political debate among central elites prior to the proclamation of the Kanun-î Esasi.

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