An Ottoman intellectual and bureaucrat: The life of Azmzade Sadik el-Müeyyed Pasha and his activities (1860-1910)

This dissertation is biographical research of Azmzade Sadık el-Müeyyed Pasha, one of Abdülhamid II's aides-de-camp. It concentrates on his life, statesmanship, and professional career. He was one of the well-known figures of his day, although he is seldom remembered until now. As a well-educated Ottoman intellectual, he was familiar with both Eastern and Western cultures. The administrative, civil, and diplomatic missions and inspections he did in numerous parts of the empire and different geographies, such as Africa, Europe, and Russia throughout half of his half-century life constitute the backbone of this historical biography. Based on several indications, the thesis draws some inferences regarding the pasha's world of ideas, personality, and social background. Furthermore, it emphasizes that education, knowledge, and family ties were significant factors in success and promotion throughout this period. Even though the reign of Abdülhamid II remained one of the most popular areas of Ottoman historiography, comprehensive biographies of statesmen, artists, courtiers, and intellectuals of the era are not studied at the same rate. However, such research is essential since it may illuminate obscure parts of historical periods and issues by centering on a person's life. In this context, this biography, written by critically evaluating archival documents, local and foreign press, memoirs, yearbooks, the pasha's works, and existing literature, may allow an understanding of the logic of Abdülhamid II's administration, its methods, and skills for dealing with crises, and its relationships with local and international actors. It also may provide an opportunity to reconsider policies developed in response to the imperial age's challenges from a fresh angle. The dissertation asserts that his position as aide-de-camp was the most influential element in his life. From this point of view, the dissertation stressed that the Yaverân organization's influence in Ottoman politics and central bureaucracy grew significantly during this time. It also claims that the organization's evolution had a crucial part in Abdülhamid II's creation of a new palace-centered administrative apparatus.