Research on 1876 constitution and 1909 cahnges from constitutional perspective in the view of Ottoman constitutional developments

Ottoman Empire failed to keep the country under control and mismanaged freedom of people during its powerful period. Hence, with the beginning of its deterioration in the 17th century, it started to lose authority in domestic arena and respect in international arena. Land was divided into smaller pieces dominated by ?derebey?. In addition, the spread of nationalism initiated by French Revolution led to movement among minorities in Ottoman Empire. At 19th century, the situation of the country got worse and in order to regain its authority and respect, reform at government administration were implemented. Therefore ?Sened-i Ittifak? was signed with ?Ayan? in 1808. Then ?Tanzimat Fermani? was announced in 1839 to secure basic rights and freedom of people. With this ?ferman? Ottoman Empire, though after some of the developed countries, has started to seek a government order which assumed `superiority of law?. While ?Tanzimat Fermani? especially stressed security of life and property as well as equity principle, it did not encompass freedom of media, trade, association and thought. Then in 1856 ?Islahat Fermani? was announced as ?Tanzimat Fermani? did not fully take affect and did not meet expectations of non-Muslim people. Although ?Islahat Fermani? did not have immediate positive impact, in longer term it fostered intellectual group of people whereby establishment of a non-centaralized government order and 1876 constitution. Important steps were taken on basic rights and freedom with 1876 constitution that included almost all items covered in prevailing modern constitutions. With 1909 constitution change emperor?s authority was restricted and steps for establishment of parliamentary system was taken, whereby a new freedom environment was formed. Then, however, ?Ittihat ve Terakki? Party changed the government administration to oligarchy from monarchy.