Ahmed Sefik Midhat Pasha

Midhat Pasha was born in Istanbul in 1822 to a family of well-established Muslim scholars. He received a private and medrese education and joined the office of the grand vizier in 1836. He rose through the ranks of the Ottoman bureaucracy and became governor of several provinces, where he implemented reforms and modernization projects. He was a leading figure in the Young Ottomans movement, which advocated for constitutionalism and parliamentary representation. He was appointed grand vizier twice, in 1872 and 1876, and was instrumental in drafting and promulgating the first constitution of the Ottoman Empire, known as the Kanun-i Esasi. He also co-founded the Ottoman Parliament and tried to limit the power of the sultan. However, he faced opposition from the conservative and religious factions, as well as from Sultan Abdulhamid II, who suspended the constitution and dissolved the parliament in 1878. Midhat Pasha was accused of being involved in the death of the previous sultan, Abdulaziz, and was sentenced to exile. He was sent to various remote locations, such as Baghdad, Europe, and Arabia. He was assassinated in his cell in Taif in 1883, allegedly by the order of Abdulhamid II. Midhat Pasha is regarded as one of the most influential and progressive statesmen in Ottoman history. He is also remembered for his contributions to education, culture, and commerce. He established many schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges in the provinces he governed. He also built a famous market in Damascus, which still bears his name. He was a patron of literature and journalism, and wrote several books and articles on politics, history, and religion.