Chapter 26: Whispers of Change: Osman’s Vision for the Future

After Osman ascended the throne, he was not only concerned with the responsibilities that came with being the sultan but also with the great reforms necessary for the future of the state. While his mother, Mahfiruz Sultan, persistently pressured him about potential brides, and the state elites insisted on his marriage, Osman had larger concerns. No sultan had ever ordered the execution of the Shaykh al-Islam, but Osman, faced with the pressures of Esad Efendi and his influence over the state, considered this step. Forcing him into rebellion might help Osman avoid public backlash, but it would undoubtedly leave lingering resentment in the ulama class.

The Appointment of the New Shaykh al-Islam: Mehmed Efendi

Osman's first thought was to appoint a new Shaykh al-Islam. This would not only calm the ulama but also open the way for his reforms. Among various candidates, he chose Mehmed Efendi, the son of Hoca Sadeddin Efendi. Hoca Sadeddin was one of the most prominent Shaykh al-Islams in Ottoman history, known for his strong defense of religious and administrative institutions. His son, Mehmed Efendi, while carrying his father's legacy, might also be a figure who would be open to cooperation with Osman's reforms. Osman believed that Mehmed Efendi's appointment would help create a balance between the forces that opposed his reforms and the need to maintain the loyalty of the ulama class.

Osman's Strategy to Fill the Treasury: Revitalizing Trade

Osman was worried about the emptiness of the imperial treasury. The wars of the past years and economic crises had severely strained it. Osman thought the only solution was to revive Ottoman trade. The ongoing European wars presented an opportunity to increase trade volume, especially in food production. The wars would drive up food prices, which could benefit the Ottoman Empire due to its agricultural focus. However, Osman knew that to capitalize on this advantage, he needed to address the inefficiencies in the land system and eliminate corruption.

To tackle this, Osman decided to abolish the iltizam system, which had previously been used to incite rebellions. By replacing it with a more structured tax system, he could encourage fairer taxation and ensure a better distribution of wealth. Osman's plan involved appointing well-educated ulema to oversee these reforms, as they could not only help ensure the reforms' success but also satisfy the ulama by involving them directly in governance.

Reforming the Timar System and Strengthening the Central Authority

Osman also planned to overhaul the timar system, which allocated land to military officers and local administrators. However, this system had become corrupt, with local officials exploiting the resources for personal gain, causing immense hardship for the people. Osman aimed to reduce corruption by employing educated ulema in key positions and increasing oversight of local administrators. Strengthening the central authority by using the ulema to monitor and report abuses would help Osman expand his control over local power structures.

Revamping the Customs and Tax System

Osman saw that the fragmented customs and tax systems hindered the efficient flow of goods and resources. He decided to unify these systems under a single framework, eliminating local taxes that hampered trade. However, local powers might resist this change, so Osman realized he needed to ensure the central authority's reach extended to the provinces. This could be achieved by assigning additional duties to the ulema, who would not only manage religious and judicial matters but also monitor the welfare of the people and ensure proper tax collection.

The Urgency of Reform and the Timing of Action

Osman knew that reforming the state's administrative systems would take time, but the 30 Years' War in Europe presented a unique opportunity for the empire. The increase in food prices would boost Ottoman agriculture, and the empire could benefit from the global demand for food. However, the reforms needed to be implemented quickly. Osman's youthful energy might give him the advantage of making quick decisions, but the resistance from local elites and the complexities of the reforms meant he had to proceed with caution. Despite these challenges, he knew that timely reforms could lead to a stronger, more stable empire.

Brief Description of the Iltizam System:

The iltizam system was a form of tax farming in the Ottoman Empire. Under this system, the government would auction off the rights to collect taxes from a certain area to a private contractor, known as the mültezim. These contractors would pay a lump sum to the state in advance and then collect taxes from the local population. The mültezim was expected to extract more money from the population than what he paid to the government, thus making a profit. This system often led to abuses and corruption, as the mültezim had significant power over the local population and could impose excessive taxes. The iltizam system was criticized for exploiting the peasants and fostering rebellion, which is why Osman sought to reform it.