The Ottoman Empire in the Tanzimat Era

Book excerpt: This book is a new history of the Ottoman Empire's Tanzimat reforms in the provinces of Edirne and Ankara. It studies variation across the two provinces and the crucial role of local intermediaries such as notables, tribal leaders and merchants who at times undermined the power of the state but in other times worked hand-in-hand with state officials to build roads, improve infrastructure and provide security.