Abd-ul-Aziz

Abd-ul-Aziz, the thirty-second sultan of the Ottoman Turks, was born February 9, 1830, the younger son of Sultan Mahmud II. (see TURKEY), and succeeded his brother, Abd-ul-Medjid, in 1861. At first he showed himself liberal-minded and open to western ideas. But the promise of economy and reform was illusory, and ere long the sultan began to spend vast sums on his army, the embellishment of his capital, on hunting, and on costly journeys. Spite of this, reforms were long hoped for, especially after his visit to Western Europe in 1867. His government had great difficulties to contend with in the Cretan insurrection, the struggle of Roumania and Servia for full autonomy, and finally the outbreak of Mohammedan fanaticism. In 1871 the sultan strove to get the succession settled upon his son, instead of his nephew Murad in accordance with Turkish custom. He next entered into intrigues with Russia, and plunged ever into deeper financial difficulties, while his stupid misgovernment alienated the provinces, and led, in 1875, to risings in Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Bulgaria. At last a conspiracy forced him to dismiss his minister, and next to abdicate the throne, 30th May 1876. Four days later, the unhappy sultan was found dead, it is almost certain by foul play.