The politics of reform: Tanzimat in the province of Trabzon (1839-1960)

Abstract

This thesis, on the application of the Tanzimat in the province of Trabzon, investigates the negotiations, conflicts, and compromises between central elites, local notables, and ordinary people. It shows how reforms were implemented in two phases in 1841 and 1847 and how they unfolded following resistance from notables and villagers from1841 t1860. The work focuses on what Tanzimat Reforms meant for local elites and ordinary people, and how they influenced power relations in the region. This thesis also shows kinds of burdens imposed on villagers with Tanzimat and how these commoners and dissatisfied local elites defended themselves against the reforms. While most of the primary sources used in this thesis are documents of the Ottoman Archives, reports of consuls and the notes of voyagers are also used.