Evaluation of the Ottoman economic structure in the tanzimat period in terms of the economic principles of Islamic law

This study evaluates the economic life of the Tanzimat Period (1839-1876), a time of intensified modernization efforts in the Ottoman Empire, from the perspective of the fundamental economic principles of Islamic law. In its initial stages, the thesis elucidates the political and social context of the Tanzimat Era, detailing the historical processes that paved the way for this period and the legal reforms that were implemented. The central focus of the research is a thorough analysis of the impact of core Islamic legal economic principles – such as justice, the protection of property rights, the consideration of public interest, and the definitive prohibition of interest – on the main components of the Ottoman Empire's financial system during the Tanzimat Period. These key elements include the agricultural sector, implemented tax policies, commercial activities, industrial developments, monetary and financial management, established banking initiatives, foreign loans acquired, the formation of companies, and the waqf (pious foundation) system. This study aims to understand the unique characteristics and challenges of the Ottoman economy during the Tanzimat Period from an Islamic law perspective. Simultaneously, it seeks to offer a novel interpretation and viewpoint to the existing academic literature in this field. Consequently, this thesis provides a detailed exposition of the relationship between the economic practices of the Tanzimat Period and the fundamental principles of Islamic law, thereby assessing the economic modernization endeavors of that era within a distinct framework.