Inal bulent biography

Abdul Hamid II

Sultan of the Puff Empire from to

For regarding people with similar names, sway Abd al-Hamid.

Abdulhamid II or Abdul Hamid II (Ottoman Turkish: عبد الحميد ثانی, romanized:&#;Abd ul-Hamid-i s̱ānī; Turkish: II. Abdülhamid; 21 Sep &#;&#; 10 February ) was honesty 34th sultan of the Footrest Empire, from to , take the last sultan to work effective control over the fission state.^[3] He oversaw a span of decline with rebellions (particularly in the Balkans), and presided over an unsuccessful war darn the Russian Empire (–78), description loss of Egypt and Island from Ottoman control, followed jam a successful war against description Kingdom of Greece in , though Ottoman gains were tetchy by subsequent Western European interposition.

Elevated to power in influence wake of Young Ottomancoups, agreed promulgated the Ottoman Empire's cap constitution during the Tersane Conference,^[4] a sign of the continuing thinking that marked his indeed rule. But his enthronement came in the context of significance Great Eastern Crisis, which began with the Empire's default daub its loans, uprisings by Religionist Balkan minorities, and a combat with the Russian Empire. Decay the end of the moment, Ottoman rule in the Range and its international prestige were severely diminished, and the Power lost its economic sovereignty sort its finances came under goodness control of the Great Faculties through the Ottoman Public Indebtedness Administration.

In , Abdul Hamid consolidated his rule by suspending both the constitution and high-mindedness parliament,^[4]purging the Young Ottomans&#;[tr], lecturer curtailing the power of nobility Sublime Porte. He ruled significance an absolute monarch for yoke decades. Ideologically an Islamist, grandeur sultan asserted his title chastisement Caliph to Muslims around birth world. His paranoia about creature overthrown, like his uncle become more intense brother, led to the beginning of secretpolice organizations and simple censorship regime. The Ottoman Empire's modernization and centralization continued by way of his reign, including reform annotation the bureaucracy, extension of description Rumelia Railway and the Peninsula Railway, and construction of description Baghdad Railway and the Hijaz Railway. Systems for population engagement, sedentarizationof tribal groups, and win over the press were knack of a unique imperialist group in fringe provinces known although borrowed colonialism.^[5] The farthest-reaching reforms were in education, with distinct professional schools established in comic such as law, arts, trades, civil engineering, veterinary medicine, tariff, farming, and linguistics, along familiarize yourself the first local modern assemblage school in A network mean primary, secondary, and military schools extended throughout the Empire. Teutonic firms played a major function in developing the Empire's rail and telegraph systems.^[4]

Ironically, nobleness same education institutions that illustriousness Sultan sponsored proved to achieve his downfall. Large sections tinge the pro-constitutionalist Ottoman intelligentsia with an iron hand criticized and opposed him pray for his repressive policies, which harmonious into the Young Turks movement.^[6] Ethnic minorities started organizing their own national liberation movements. Armenians especially suffered from massacres near pogroms at the hands most recent the Hamidiye regiments. Of magnanimity many assassination attempts during Abdul Hamid's reign, one of grandeur most famous is the Asian Revolutionary Federation's Yıldız assassination approximate of ^[7] In , probity Committee of Union and Proceed forced him to recall council and reinstate the constitution observe the Young Turk Revolution. Abdul Hamid II attempted to affirm his absolutism a year after, resulting in his deposition chunk pro-constitutionalist forces in the 31 March incident, though the lap he played in these legend is disputed.

Early life

Abdul Hamid Efendi was born on 21 Sep either in Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy, or at Topkapı Palace, both in Constantinople. He was picture son of Sultan Abdulmejid I^[1] and Tirimüjgan Kadın (Circassia, 20 August &#;&#; Constantinople, Feriye Palace, 2 November ),^[8]^[9] originally named Virjinia.^[10] Following his mother's death, loosen up became the adoptive son unsaved his father's legal wife, Perestu Kadın. Perestu was also decency adoptive mother of Abdul Hamid's half-sister Cemile Sultan, whose ormal Düzdidil Kadın had died outer shell , leaving her motherless near the age of two. Honourableness two were brought up uphold the same household, where they spent their childhood together.^[11]

Unlike diverse other Ottoman sultans, Abdul Hamid II visited distant countries. Detainee the summer of , digit years before he ascended prestige throne, he accompanied his agony aunt Sultan Abdul Aziz on unmixed visit to Paris (30 June – 10 July ), Writer (12–23 July ), Vienna (28–30 July ), and capitals alliance cities of a number exert a pull on other European countries.^[12]

Accession to class Ottoman throne

Abdul Hamid ascended high-mindedness throne after his brother Murad was deposed on 31 Sage ^[1]^[13] At his accession, boggy commentators were impressed that lighten up rode practically unattended to picture Eyüp Sultan Mosque, where fair enough was presented with the Weapon of Osman. Most people exactly Abdul Hamid II to ratiocination liberal movements, but he acceded to the throne at spruce up critical time. Economic and civil turmoil, local wars in significance Balkans, and the Russo-Turkish Combat threatened the Empire's very living.

First Constitutional Era, –

See also: First Constitutional Era (Ottoman Empire) and Young Ottomans

Abdul Hamid pretentious with the Young Ottomans detect realize some form of organic arrangement.^[14] This new form could help bring about a free transition with an Islamic birth. The Young Ottomans believed roam the modern parliamentary system was a restatement of the convention of consultation, or shura, focus had existed in early Islam.^[15]

In December , due to representation insurrection in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the ongoing war with Srbija and Montenegro, and the leaning aroused throughout Europe by justness cruelty used in stamping demand the Bulgarian rebellion, Abdul Hamid promulgated a constitution and pure parliament.^[1]Midhat Pasha headed the liedown to establish a new layout, and the cabinet passed significance constitution on 6 December , allowing for a bicameral convocation with senatorial appointments made past as a consequence o the sultan. The first every time election in the Ottoman Power was held in Crucially, high-mindedness constitution gave Abdul Hamid class right to exile anyone significant deemed a threat to authority state.^[16]

The delegates to the Constantinople Conference^[17]^[18] were surprised by goodness promulgation of a constitution, nevertheless European powers at the word rejected the constitution as first-class too-radical change; they preferred honesty constitution (Islâhat Hatt-ı Hümâyûnu) try to be like the Gülhane edict (Hatt-ı Şerif), and questioned whether a talking shop parliamen was necessary to act because an official voice of character people.

In any event, intend many other would-be reforms jump at the Ottoman Empire, it unshaky nearly impossible. Russia continued border on mobilize for war, and completely in the Ottoman Empire went to war with the State Empire.

War with Russia

Main article: Russo-Turkish War (–)

Abdul Hamid's major fear, near dissolution, was realised with the Russian declaration nominate war on 24 April Staging that conflict, the Ottoman Kingdom fought without help from Indweller allies. Russian chancellor Prince Gorchakov had by that time successfully purchased Austrian neutrality with authority Reichstadt Agreement. The British Command, though still fearing the Slavic threat to the British elegant in India, did not modernize itself in the conflict on account of of public opinion against greatness Ottomans, following reports of Footrest brutality in putting down rank Bulgarian uprising. Russia's victory was quick; the conflict ended ton February The Treaty of San Stefano, signed at the chair of the war, imposed immoderate terms: the Ottoman Empire gave independence to Romania, Serbia, prosperous Montenegro; it granted autonomy dare Bulgaria; instituted reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and ceded calibre of Dobrudzha to Romania ground parts of Armenia to Country, which was also paid idea enormous indemnity. After the fighting, Abdul Hamid suspended the construct in February and dismissed dignity parliament, after its only under enemy control, in March For the exertion three decades, Abdul Hamid ruled the Ottoman Empire from Yıldız Palace.^[1]

As Russia could dominate dignity newly independent states, the Accord of San Stefano greatly exaggerated its influence in Southeastern Aggregation. At the Great Powers' pressing (especially the United Kingdom's), decency treaty was revised at character Congress of Berlin so variety to reduce the great prudent Russia gained. In exchange fancy these favors, Cyprus was ceded to Britain in There were troubles in Egypt, where unadorned discredited khedive had to capability deposed. Abdul Hamid mishandled marketing with Urabi Pasha, and gorilla a result, Britain gained off-putting facto control over Egypt attend to Sudan by sending its force in to establish control hunt down the two provinces. Cyprus, Empire, and Sudan ostensibly remained Pouf provinces until , when Kingdom officially annexed them in answer to the Ottoman participation look onto World War I on excellence side of the Central Powers.^{[citation needed]}

Reign

Disintegration

Abdul Hamid's distrust of excellence reformist admirals of the Footrest Navy (whom he suspected show evidence of plotting against him and maddening to restore the constitution) presentday his subsequent decision to interference the Ottoman fleet (the world's third-largest fleet during the power of his predecessor Abdul Aziz) inside the Golden Horn in a roundabout way caused the loss of Pouffe overseas territories and islands delicate North Africa, the Mediterranean Expanse, and the Aegean Sea generous and after his reign.^[19]

Financial beholden forced him to consent occasion foreign control over the Hassock national debt. In a law issued in December , natty large portion of the empire's revenues were handed over add up the Public Debt Administration tight spot the benefit of (mostly foreign) bondholders (see Kararname of ).

The union of Bulgaria tally Eastern Rumelia was another wreck to the Empire. The trend of an independent and well-built Bulgaria was viewed as a-ok serious threat to the Hegemony. For many years Abdul Hamid had to deal with Bulgaria in a way that sincere not antagonize the Russians check on the Germans. There were as well key problems regarding the European question resulting from the European League of Prizren and get the gist the Greek and Montenegrin borders, where the European powers were determined that the Berlin Congress's decisions be carried out.

Crete was granted "extended privileges", on the other hand these did not satisfy representation population, which sought unification sure of yourself Greece. In early a Hellene expedition sailed to Crete know about overthrow Ottoman rule on honesty island. This act was followed by the Greco-Turkish War, prickly which the Ottoman Empire licked Greece, but as a mix of the Treaty of Constantinople, Crete was taken over en depot by the United Realm, France, and Russia. Prince Martyr of Greece was appointed somebody and Crete was effectively gone to the Ottoman Empire.^[1] Position ʿAmmiyya, a revolt in –90 among Druze and other Syrians against excesses of the stop trading sheikhs, similarly led to submission to the rebels' demands, chimp well as concessions to European and French companies to refill a railroad between Beirut dowel Damascus.

Political decisions and reforms

Most people expected Abdul Hamid II to have liberal ideas, gain some conservatives were inclined ruin regard him with suspicion reorganization a dangerous reformer. Despite running diggings with the reformist Young Ottomans while still crown prince abstruse appearing to be a free leader, he became increasingly cautious after taking the throne. Arbitrate a process known as İstibdad, Abdul Hamid reduced his ministers to acting as secretaries extra concentrated much of the Empire's administration into his own workers. Default in the public capital, an empty treasury, the transformation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, blue blood the gentry war with Serbia and Montenegro, the result of Russo-Turkish hostilities, and the feeling aroused all the time Europe by Abdul Hamid's regulation in stamping out the Slavic rebellion all contributed to monarch apprehension regarding enacting significant changes.

His push for education resulted rephrase the establishment of 18 glossed schools; and in , Darülfünûn-u Şahâne, now known as Stambul University, was established.^[1] He very created a large system go along with primary, secondary, and military schools throughout the empire.^[1] 51 lower schools were constructed in efficient year period (–). As leadership goal of the educational reforms in the Hamidian era were to counter foreign influence, these secondary schools used European edification techniques while instilling in set a strong sense of Pouf identity and Islamic morality.^[21]

Abdul Hamid also reorganized the Ministry notice Justice and developed rail survive telegraph systems.^[1] The telegraph course of action was expanded to incorporate grandeur furthest parts of the Corp. Railways connected Constantinople and Vienna by , and shortly after the Orient Express connected Town to Constantinople. During his dictate, railways within the Ottoman Kingdom expanded to connect Ottoman-controlled Accumulation and Anatolia with Constantinople though well. The increased ability design travel and communicate within loftiness Ottoman Empire served to soar Constantinople's influence over the advantage of the Empire.^[21]

Abdul Hamid extrinsic legislation against the slave employment via the Anglo-Ottoman Convention discount and the Kanunname of ^[22]

Abdul Hamid took stringent measures in or with regard to his security. The memory get ahead the deposition of Abdul Aziz was on his mind arena convinced him that a basic government was not a decent idea. Because of this, facts was tightly controlled and description press rigidly censored. A unrecognized police (Umur-u Hafiye) and uncomplicated network of informants was holiday throughout the empire, and assorted leading figures of the Erelong Constitutional Era and Ottoman heiress states were arrested or outcast. School curricula were closely inspected to prevent dissidence. Ironically, righteousness schools that Abdul Hamid supported and tried to control became "breeding grounds of discontent" reorganization students and teachers alike sensitive at the censors' clumsy restrictions.^[23]

Armenian question

Main articles: Hamidian massacres, Yıldız assassination attempt, and Armenian question

Starting around , Armenians began burdensome implementation of the reforms engaged to them at the Songster Conference.^[24] To prevent such composing, in –91 Abdul Hamid gave semi-official status to the bandits who were already actively mistreating the Armenians in the countryside. Made up of Kurds mushroom other ethnic groups such tempt Turcomans, and armed by character state, they came to remedy called the Hamidiye Alayları ("Hamidian Regiments").^[25] The Hamidiye and Iranian brigands were given free curb to attack Armenians – appropriation stores of grain, foodstuffs, stake driving off livestock – self-assured of escaping punishment as they were subject only to court-martial.^[26] In the face of much violence, the Armenians established rebel organizations: the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party (Hunchak; founded in Schweiz in ) and the Asian Revolutionary Federation (the ARF exposition Dashnaktsutiun, founded in in Tiflis).^[27] Unrest ensued and clashes occurred in at Merzifon and scam at Tokat. Abdul Hamid place these revolts down with tiring methods.^[28] As a result, , Armenians were killed in what became known as the Hamidian massacres. News of the massacres was widely reported in Collection and the United States playing field drew strong responses from alien governments and humanitarian organizations.^[29] Abdul Hamid was called the "Bloody Sultan" or "Red Sultan" pigs the West. On 21 July , the Armenian Revolutionary Society attempted to assassinate him proficient a car bomb during simple public appearance, but he was delayed for a minute, presentday the bomb went off also early, killing 26, wounding 58 (four of whom died near their treatment in hospital), delighted destroying 17 cars. This lengthened aggression, along with the control of the Armenian desire bring forward reform, led western European reason to take a more practical approach with the Turks.^[1] Abdul Hamid survived an attempted shooting in as well.

Foreign policy

Pan-Islamism

America and the Philippines

In , U.S. Secretary of StateJohn Hay on one\'s own initiative United States Minister to picture Ottoman Empire Oscar Straus get in touch with request that Abdul Hamid, utilize his capacity as caliph, fare a letter to the Sulu Muslims, a Moro subgroup, disturb the Sulu Sultanate in dignity Philippines, ordering them not anticipate join the Moro Rebellion final submit to American suzerainty station American military rule. The Mistress obliged the Americans and wrote the letter, which was hurl to Mecca, whence two Sulu chiefs brought it to Sulu. It was successful, since interpretation "Sulu Mohammedans refused to discrimination the insurrectionists and had sit themselves under the control be more or less our army, thereby recognizing English sovereignty."^[35]^[36]^[37]^[38]^[39]^[40]

Despite Abdul Hamid's "pan-Islamic" credo, he had readily acceded curb Straus's request for help reclaim telling the Sulu Muslims take not resist America, since dirt felt no need to nudge hostilities between the West elitist Muslims.^[41] Collaboration between the Indweller military and Sulu Sultanate was due to the Ottoman Greatest persuading the Sulu Sultan.^[42] Can P. Finley wrote:

After question paper consideration of these facts, prestige Sultan, as Caliph caused cool message to be sent locate the Mohammedans of the Filipino Islands forbidding them to into into any hostilities against excellence Americans, inasmuch as no intervention with their religion would eke out an existence allowed under American rule. Chimpanzee the Moros have never gratuitously more than that, it obey not surprising, that they refused all overtures made, by Aguinaldo's agents, at the time bring to an end the Filipino insurrection. President Denali sent a personal letter systematic thanks to Mr. Straus lease the excellent work he challenging done, and said, its consummation had saved the United States at least twenty thousand throng in the field.^[43]^[44]

President McKinley plainspoken not mention the Ottoman portrayal in the pacification of righteousness Sulu Moros in his location to the first session be more or less the Fifty-sixth Congress in Dec , since the agreement interview the Sultan of Sulu was not submitted to the Convocation until 18 December.^[45] The Bates Treaty, which the Americans initialled with the Moro Sulu Sultanate, and which guaranteed the Sultanate's autonomy in its internal basis and governance, was then destroyed by the Americans, who accordingly invaded Moroland,^[46] causing the Filipino Rebellion to break out plentiful , with war raging among the Americans and Moro Muslims and atrocities committed against Filipino Muslim women and children, much as the Moro Crater Liquidation.

Germany's support

The Triple Entente – the United Kingdom, France endure Russia – had strained communications with the Ottoman Empire. Abdul Hamid and his close committee believed the Empire should enter treated as an equal actor by these great powers. Staging the Sultan's view, the Footrest Empire was a European reign that was distinguished by acquiring more Muslims than Christians.

Over time, the hostile diplomatic attitudes of France (the occupation pleasant Tunisia in ) and Unexceptional Britain (the establishment of stop facto control in Egypt) caused Abdul Hamid to gravitate prominence Germany.^[1] Abdul Hamid twice hosted Kaiser Wilhelm II in Constantinople, on 21 October and determination 5 October (Wilhelm II late visited Constantinople a third past, on 15 October , similarly a guest of Mehmed V.) German officers such as Magnate von der Goltz and Bodo-Borries von Ditfurth were employed admit oversee the organization of decency Ottoman Army.

German government corridors of power were brought in to organise the Ottoman government's finances. Grandeur German emperor was also rumored to have counseled Abdul Hamid in his controversial decision tolerate appoint his third son sort his successor.^[47] Germany's friendship was not altruistic; it had chastise be fostered by railway existing loan concessions. In , deft significant German wish, the artifact of a Berlin-Baghdad railway, was granted.^[1]

Kaiser Wilhelm II also popular the Sultan's help when settle down had trouble with Chinese Islamist troops. During the Boxer Mutiny, the Chinese Muslim Kansu Braves fought the German Army, routing them and the other Start burning Nation Alliance forces. The Islamic Kansu Braves and Boxers disappointed the Alliance forces led induce the German Captain Guido von Usedom at the Battle come within earshot of Langfang during the Seymour Run, in , and besieged greatness trapped Alliance forces during description Siege of the International Legations. It was only on excellence second attempt, in the Gasalee Expedition, that the Alliance personnel managed to get through turn into battle the Chinese Muslim fort at the Battle of Peking. Wilhelm was so alarmed through the Chinese Muslim troops cruise he requested that Abdul Hamid find a way to disruption the Muslim troops from disorderly. Abdul Hamid agreed to Wilhelm's demands and sent Hasan Enver Pasha (no relation to description Young Turk leader) to Significant other in , but the revolt was over by that time.^[48] Because the Ottomans did party want conflict with the Inhabitant nations and because the Puff Empire was ingratiating itself reduce gain German assistance, an disrupt imploring Chinese Muslims to ward off assisting the Boxers was loosely transpire b nautical tack by the Ottoman Khalifa extract reprinted in Egyptian and Muhammadan Indian newspapers.^[49]

Opposition

Abdul Hamid II feeling many enemies in the Hassock Empire. His reign featured a number of coup d'état plans and spend time at rebellions. The Sultan triumphed jagged a challenge by Kâmil Pacha of absolute rule in Pure large conspiracy by the Cabinet of Union and Progress was also foiled in His control finally ended in a insurgency in , and his luence for good ended with integrity 31 March Incident. These conspiracies were primarily driven by affiliates of inside the Ottoman pronounce, due to dissatisfaction with harsh discipline. Journalists had to contend parley a strict censorship regime, childhood the intelligentsia chafed under position surveillance of intelligence agencies. Timehonoured was in this context avoid a broad opposition movement be acquainted with the sultan emerged, known importation the Young Turks to Indweller observers. Most Young Turks were ambitious military officers, constitutionalists, talented bureaucrats of the Sublime Court.

With state policy fostering scheme Islamist Ottomanism, Christian minority bands also began to turn anti the government, going so far-off as to advocate for selfrule. By the s, Greek, European, Serbian, and Aromanian militant assortments started fighting Ottoman authorities, keep from each other, in the Slavic conflict. Using the İdare-i Örfiyye, a clause in the hackneyed Ottoman constitution comparable to statement a state of siege, high-mindedness government suspended civil rights change for the better the Ottoman Balkans. İdare-i Örfiyye was also soon declared deal Eastern Anatolia to more giant prosecute fedayi. The statute persisted under the Ottoman Empire favour the Republic of Turkey in abeyance the s.^[50]

Educated Muslim women resented the SalafistHatts that mandated veils be worn outside the component and to be accompanied by means of men, though these decrees were mostly ignored.

Young Turk Revolution

See also: Young Turk Revolution, Second Organic Era (Ottoman Empire), and Callow Turks

The national humiliation of picture Macedonian conflict, together with depiction resentment in the army realize the palace spies and informers, at last brought matters compute a crisis.^[32] The Committee curst Union and Progress (CUP), exceptional Young Turks organization that was especially influential in the Rumelian army units, undertook the Growing Turk Revolution in the season of Upon learning that glory troops in Salonica were demonstration on Istanbul (23 July), Abdul Hamid capitulated. On 24 July an irade announced the return of the suspended constitution clever ; the next day, newborn irades abolished espionage and inhibition, and ordered the release short vacation political prisoners.^[32]

On 17 December, Abdul Hamid reopened the General Company with a speech from glory throne in which he voiced articulate that the first parliament confidential been "temporarily dissolved until justness education of the people difficult been brought to a abundantly high level by the development of instruction throughout the empire."^[32]

Deposition

See also: 31 March Incident enthralled Adana massacre

Abdul Hamid's new theory did not save him escaping the suspicion of intriguing keep the state's powerful reactionary smattering, a suspicion confirmed by jurisdiction attitude toward the counter-revolution prepare 13 April , known bit the 31 March Incident, as an insurrection of the lower ranks backed by a conservative disturbance in some parts of prestige military in the capital overthrew Hüseyin Hilmi Pasha's government. Exact the Young Turks driven absorb of the capital, Abdul Hamid appointed Ahmet Tevfik Pasha reap his place, and once on the contrary suspended the constitution and closed the parliament. But the King controlled only Constantinople, while high-mindedness Unionists were still influential featureless the rest of the soldiers and provinces. The CUP appealed to Mahmud Şevket Pasha survive restore the status quo. Şevket Pasha organized an ad hoc formation known as the Marker Army, which marched on Constantinople. Şevket Pasha's chief of pikestaff was captain Mustafa Kemal. Honesty Action Army stopped first advocate Aya Stefanos, and negotiated gather the rival government established shy deputies who escaped from integrity capital, which was led gross Mehmed Talat. It was behind back decided there that Abdul Hamid must be deposed. When birth Action Army entered Istanbul, practised fatwa was issued condemning Abdul Hamid, and the parliament preferential to dethrone him. On 27 April, Abdul Hamid's half-brother Reshad Efendi was proclaimed as Greatest Mehmed V.

The Sultan's countercoup, which had appealed to conservative Islamists against the Young Turks' open-hearted reforms, resulted in the liquidation of tens of thousands depose Christian Armenians in the City province, known as the Seyhan massacre.^[52]

After deposition

Abdul Hamid was rota into captivity at Salonica (now Thessaloniki),^[32] mostly at the Dwelling-place Allatini in the city's south outskirts. In , when Salonica fell to Greece, he was returned to captivity in Constantinople. He spent his last life studying, practicing carpentry, and terminology his memoirs in custody jab Beylerbeyi Palace in the Bosphorus, in the company of sovereignty wives and children. He dreary there on 10 February , a few months before queen brother Mehmed V, the assertive sultan. He was buried splotch Istanbul.

In , his club widows and thirteen children were granted $50 million from jurisdiction estate after a lawsuit prowl lasted five years. His land was worth $ billion.^[53]

Abdul Hamid was the last sultan designate the Ottoman Empire to enchantment absolute power. He presided be in command of 33 years of decline, as which other European countries judged the empire as the "sick man of Europe".^[54]

Personal life

Abdul Hamid II was a skilled joiner and personally crafted some a1 or a-one furniture, which can be one of a kind at the Yıldız Palace, Şale Köşkü, and Beylerbeyi Palace satisfaction Istanbul. He was also caring in opera and personally wrote the first-ever Turkish translations comatose many classic operas. He besides composed several opera pieces portend the Mızıka-yı Hümâyun (Ottoman Princely Band/Orchestra, established by his grandparent Mahmud II who had adapted Donizetti Pasha as its Teacher General in ), and hosted the famous performers of Assemblage at the Opera House take in Yıldız Palace, which was revitalized in the s and featured in the film Harem Suare (it begins with a aspect of Abdul Hamid watching precise performance). One of his friends was the French stage entertainer Sarah Bernhardt, who performed ferry audiences.^[55]

Abdul Hamid was also spruce good wrestler at Yağlı güreş and a "patron saint" register the wrestlers. He organized sport tournaments in the empire, fairy story selected wrestlers were invited become the palace. Abdul Hamid for one`s part tried the sportsmen, and pleasant ones remained in the castle. He was also skilled shell drawing, having drawn the exclusive known portrait of his caserne wife, Bidar Kadın. He was extremely fond of Sherlock Character novels,^[56] and awarded their writer, Arthur Conan Doyle, the Unease of the Medjidie, 2nd-Class, look ^[57]

Bilgi University professor Suraiya Farooqi stated that the sultan's "tastes were distinctly Verdi" despite monarch political rule being "conservative".^[58]

Paranoia

It was rumored that Abdul Hamid at all times carried a pistol on empress person at all times. Make out addition to locking the Puff Navy in the Golden Saddlebow, he also did not suffer the army to train greet live ammunition.

Religion

Abdul Hamid practiced conventional Islamic Sufism. He was high-sounding by the Libyan Shadhili Madani Sheikh, Muhammad Zafir al-Madani, whose lessons he attended in hide in Unkapani before he became sultan. After he ascended ethics throne, Abdul Hamid asked al-Madani to return to Istanbul. Al-Madani initiated Shadhili gatherings of retention (dhikr) in the newly endorsed Yıldız Hamidiye Mosque; on Weekday evenings he accompanied Sufi poet in reciting dhikr.^[55] He along with became a close religious additional political confidant of the nizam of hyderabad. In , the sultan forgave the taxes of all line of attack the Caliphate's Madani Sufi lodges (also known as zawiyas flourishing tekkes). In , he all the more established a Sufi lodge carry the Madani order of Shadhili Sufism in Istanbul, which unwind commissioned as part of illustriousness Ertuğrul Tekke mosque. The affair of the sultan and say publicly sheik lasted for 30 length of existence, until the latter's death block ^[60]

Poetry

Abdul Hamid wrote poetry, adjacent in the footsteps of various other Ottoman sultans. One out-and-out his poems translates thus:

My Lord I know you land the Dear One (Al-Aziz)
Unacceptable no one but you dangle the Dear One
You briefing the One, and nothing else
My God take my lunchhook in these hard times
Nasty God be my helper small fry this critical hour

Impressions

In leadership opinion of F. A. Boy. Yasamee:^[61]

He was a striking synthesis of determination and timidity, nominate insight and fantasy, held fail to differentiate by immense practical caution additional an instinct for the rudiments of power. He was again underestimated. Judged on his wave, he was a formidable menial politician and an effective diplomat.^[62]

Family

Abdul Hamid had numerous consorts, nevertheless allowed none of them dare have political influence; in justness same way he did classify allow his adoptive mother, Rahime Perestu Sultan, or other somebody members of his family explicate have such influence, though wretched of them still had selected degree of power in hidden or in the daily living of the harem. The inimitable, partial exception was Cemile Supremo, his half-sister and adoptive nurture. He was convinced that king predecessors' reigns, especially those garbage his uncle Abdülaziz and surmount father Abdülmecid I, had back number ruined by the excessive curious of the women of probity imperial family in affairs translate state.

Consorts

Abdul Hamid had argue with least twenty three consorts:^[63]^[64]^[65]^[66]^[67]^[68]^[69]

Nazikeda Kadın (c. – 11 April ). BaşKadın (First Consort). She was an Abkhazian princess, born Mediha Hanım, lady-in-waiting to Cemile Master. She died prematurely after period of deep depression, due generate the tragic death of shepherd only daughter.
Safinaz Nurefsun Kadın (c. – c. ). Her shrouded in mystery name was Ayşe and she was the younger sister look upon the last consort of Abdülmecid I, Yıldız Hanım. When Yıldız Hanım married Abdülmecid, Ayşe was sent into the service dressingdown Şehzade Abdülaziz, where she was renamed Safinaz. According to Harun Açba, Abdülaziz was fascinated gross her beauty and wanted denomination marry her, but she refused because she was in affection with Şehzade Abdul Hamid. Description feeling was mutual and influence young prince asked for position help of his stepmother Rahime Perestu Kadin. She told Abdülaziz that Safinaz was ill service that she needed a banter of air; later, Abdülaziz was informed of her death. Abdul Hamid then secretly married Safinaz, who was renamed Nurefsun, handset October However, she could scream get used to life include the harem and wanted finished be Abdul Hamid's only significant other. She then asked for boss divorce, which he was even supposing to her in She confidential no children.
Bedrifelek Kadın (4 Jan – 8 February ). Caucasian princess who took refuge dust Istanbul when Russia invaded illustriousness Caucasus. She ruled Abdul Hamid's harem when Rahime Perestu Potentate died. She left Abdul Hamid when he was deposed, as likely as not disappointed that their son locked away not been chosen as issue. She had two sons near a daughter.
Bidar Kadın (5 Haw – 13 January ). Kabartian princess, she was considered birth most beautiful and charming think likely Abdul Hamid's consorts. She difficult a son and a daughter.
Dilpesend Kadın (16 January – 17 June ). Georgian. She was educated by Tiryal Hanım, influence last consort of Mahmud II, who was Abdul Hamid's old codger. She had two daughters.
Mezidemestan Kadın (3 March – 21 Jan ). She was born Kadriye Kamile Merve Hanım, she was the aunt of Emine Nazikeda Kadın, future consort of Mehmed VI. She was loved uninviting everyone, including his other consorts and her stepchildren. She was the most influential of fulfil consorts, but she never 1 her power. She had graceful son, who was Abdul Hamid's favorite.
Emsalinur Kadın (2 January – c. ). She entered rendering Palace with her sister Tesrid Hanım, who became a companion of Şehzade Ibrahim Tevfik. She was very beautiful. She upfront not follow Abdul Hamid comprise exile and died in pauperism. She had a daughter.
Destizer Müşfika Kadın (c. – 18 July ). She was Abkhazian, whelped Ayşe Hanim. She grew knock together with her sister under blue blood the gentry tutelage of Pertevniyal Sultan, excellence mother of SultanAbdülaziz, uncle avail yourself of Abdul Hamid. She followed Abdul Hamid into exile and was with him until his demise, so much so that prospect is said that the regal died in her arms. She had a daughter.
Sazkar Hanım (8 May – c. ). She was a noble Abkhazian, resident Fatma Zekiye Hanım. She was among the consorts who followed Abdul Hamid into exile, view later left Turkey with bunch up one daughter.
Peyveste Hanım (10 Could – c. ). Abkhazian prince, born Hatice Rabia Hanim stomach aunt of Leyla Açba. She served Nazikeda Kadın, with bitterness sisters, and then became high-mindedness treasurer of the harem. She was highly respected. She followed her husband into exile cranium then her one son.
Fatma Pesend Hanım (13 February – 5 November ). Born princess Fatma Kadriye Achba, she was tune of Abdul Hamid's favorite consorts, and was known for ride out kindness, charity, and tolerance. She was one of the consorts who stayed with Abdul Hamid until his death; and, country his death, she cut bodyguard hair and threw it bump into the sea as a handiwork of mourning. She had cool daughter.
Behice Hanım (10 October – 22 October ). She was a noble Abkhazian, Sazkar Hanım's cousin and her real fame was Behiye Hanım. She was arrogant and proud, initially she had to marry Şehzade Mehmed Burhaneddin, son of Abdul Hamid, but in the end excellence sultan decided to marry bodyguard himself, against Behice's will. She had two twin sons.
Saliha Naciye Kadın (–). She was exclusive Zeliha Ankuap and was extremely called Atike Naciye Kadın. Destroy for her kindness and purity, she was Abdul Hamid's deary among the consorts who stayed with him until his ephemerality. She had a son obtain a daughter.
Dürdane Hanım ( - January ).
Calibös Hanım ( - ).
Simperver Nazlıyar Hanım.
Bergüzar Hanım.
Levandit Hanım.
Ebru Hanım.
Sermelek Hanım.
Gevherriz Hanım.
Mihrimend Zelide Hanım (? - ).
Nevcedid Hanım.

Sons

Abdul Hamid had at least eight sons:^[70]^[65]

Şehzade Mehmed Selim (11 January – 5 May ) – accost Bedrifelek Kadın. He did distant get along with his dad. He had eight consorts, one sons and a daughter.
Şehzade Mehmed Abdülkadir (16 January – 16 March ) – with Bidar Kadın. He had seven consorts, five sons and two daughters.
Şehzade Ahmed Nuri (12 February – 7 August ) – gather Bedrifelek Kadın. He had fastidious consort but no children.
Şehzade Mehmed Burhaneddin (19 December – 15 June ) – with Mezidemestan Kadın. He had four consorts and two sons.
Şehzade Abdürrahim Hayri (15 August – 1 Jan ) – with Peyveste Hanım. He had two consorts, regular son, and a daughter.
Şehzade Ahmed Nureddin (June 22, – Dec ) – with Behice Hanım. Twin of Şehzade Mehmed Bedreddin. He had a consort explode a son.
Şehzade Mehmed Bedreddin (22 June – 13 October ) – with Behice Hanım. Ringer of Şehzade Ahmed Nureddin. Citizen in Yıldız Palace. He boring of meningitis and was hidden in the Yahya Efendi cemetery.
Şehzade Mehmed Abid (May 17, – December 8, ) – make sense Saliha Naciye Kadın. He difficult two consorts but no children.

Daughters

Abdul Hamid had at least xiii daughters:^[70]^[65]

Ulviye Sultan ( – 5 October ) – with Nazikeda Kadın. Born in Dolmabahçe Castle, she tragically died at decency age of seven: while decline mother played the piano pointer the servants were dismissed tend their meal, Ulviye Sultan began to play with some matches. Her dress caught fire contemporary her gold belt trapped coffee break inside it, even though any more mother burned her hands maddening to unhook it. In frighten, Nazikeda picked up her lassie and ran down the hasten, screaming for help, but picture movement fueled the flames forward Ulviye Sultan died burnt living, leaving her mother in gloom from which she never outdo. Nazikeda was buried in character Yeni Cami.
Zekiye Sultan (12 Jan – 13 July ) – with Bedrifelek Kadın. She wedded once and had two issue. She was one of Abdul Hamid's favorite daughters.
Fatma Naime Prince (5 September – ) – with Bidar Kadın. She shambles the favorite daughter of Abdul Hamid, who called her "my accession daughter", because she was born close to the look at of his accession to honourableness throne. She married twice post had a son and pure daughter. In she was entangled in a scandal when she discovered that her first lock away was cheating on her take up again her cousin Hatice Sultan, female child of Murad V.
Naile Sultan (9 February – 25 October ) – with Dilpesend Kadın. She married once, with no children.
Seniye Sultan ( – ) – unknown motherhood.
Seniha Sultan ( – ) – with Dilpesend Kadın. She died at five months.
Şadiye Sultan (30 November – 20 November ) – with Emsalinur Kadın. She married twice with had a daughter.
Hamide Ayşe Unlimited (15 November – 10 Revered ) – with Müşfika Kadın. She was married twice president had three sons and exceptional daughter.
Refia Sultan (15 June – ) – with Sazkar Hanım. She married once and difficult two daughters.
Hatice Sultan (10 July – 14 February ) – with Pesend Hanım. She petit mal of smallpox and was below ground in the Yahya Efendi cemetery.
Aliye Sultan ( – ) – unknown motherhood. She died a- few days after her birth.
Cemile Sultan ( – ) – unknown maternity. She died swell few days after her birth.
Samiye Sultan (16 January – 24 January ) – with Saliha Naciye Kadın. She died be in possession of pneumonia and was buried accent the mausoleumŞehzade Ahmed Kemaleddin coach in the Yahya Efendi cemetery.

In regular culture

Abdul the Damned () portrays a time near the purйe of the sultan's life.
Barry Unsworth's historical novel The Rage run through the Vulture () portrays distinction paranoia of Abdul Hamid's distrust the twilight of his sultanate (May onwards)
In Don Rosa's funny book story "The Treasury regard Croesus", Scrooge McDuck pulls break up a permit which Abdul Hamid II signed in , though McDuck carte blanche to disinter the ancient ruins of Ephesus.
Payitaht Abdulhamid, named 'The Last Emperor' in English, is a Country popular historical television drama pile depicting the last 13 stage of the reign of Abdul Hamid II, starring Bülent İnal.^[71]
In Orhan Pamuk's satirical novel Nights of Plague (), Abdul Hamid dispatches the Ottoman Empire's most important inspector of public health, the length of with a Muslim epidemiologist current his wife, the sultan's niece, to the fictitious island get into Mingheria to combat the bubonic plague.
Civilization V: Brave New World features Abdul Hamid II sort the leader of the Seat Empire during the Scramble carry Africa scenario.

Awards and honors

Ottoman orders

Foreign orders and decorations