Full Name: Mahmud Han bin Abdülhamid
Profession: Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
Biography: Mahmud II was the 30th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. He ruled from 1808 when a rebellion placed him on the throne after deposing his predecessor, Mustafa IV, who had ordered the death of Mahmud II. His reign ended in 1839 with his death.
Mahmud is renowned for a set of wide-ranging reforms involving the administrative, military, and fiscal policies of the Ottoman Empire. These reforms were continued by, and culminated in, the Decree of Tanzimat, which was overseen by his sons Abdulmejid I and Abdülaziz.
The reforms initiated by Mahmud set the foundations for a series of social changes which would ultimately result in the modern Turkish Republic. His rule was characterised by a process of Westernization in architecture, clothing, and culture.
Born: July 20, 1785
Birthplace: Topkapı Palace, Istanbul, Ottoman Empire
Star Sign: Cancer
Died: July 1, 1839 (aged 53)
Cause of Death: Tuberculosis
Historical Events
- 1808-07-28 Mahmud II succeeds Mustafa IV as sultan of the Ottoman Empire
- 1826-06-15 Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II abolishes the elite Janissary corps executing thousands for treason to make way for a more modern army
- 1839-07-01 Abdul-Medjid succeeds Mahmud II as Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
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