سلطنت عثمانیہ کے زوال میں مراعات خصوصی کا کردار

The role of capitulation in the decline of Ottoman Empire

Abstract

The history of the world, especially in Islamic history, does not require an introduction to the Ottoman Empire. In the Islamic history, it was the established empire of the Turks, which held the distinction of being the longest-reigned empire. Its territories stretched across three continents; Asia, Europe, and Africa. In the late thirteenth century, this empire, which was established in Asia, began to be counted among the world's dominant powers within 150 years. By the sixteenth century ۔ it had become the most prestigious empire in terms of its vastness and dominion in the world. During this time, the Ottoman Turks were a central power. The sixteenth century seemed to be the century of the empire's zenith. It was possible for them not only to advance in the field of knowledge and wisdom but also to fulfill the responsibilities of leadership in the world of knowledge. However, contrary to this, the causes of decline and decay began to emerge among the Turks even during the time of their peak and progress. One important element among these factors is “special privileges". The terms "Capitulation" in English and "Imtiyazat" in Arabic have been used for these special privileges. These Special privileges played a decisive pivotal role in the decline of the Ottoman Empire by collaborating with external and foreign elements. Because of special concessions France, Britain, Russia, and other European countries obtained special economic, religious, and civic concessions within the boundaries of the Ottoman Empire for their governments and people. Using these special concessions, gradually, these countries began to weaken the political and economic strength of the Ottomans by surpassing the Ottoman's political and economic strength. As a result of these measures, the Ottoman Empire came to an end in the early decades of the twentieth century.