The Edict of Tanzimat was a statement of desire on behalf of the Sultan, promising four basic reforms (Zürcher, 2004, p. 51):

• The installation of guarantees for thelife, honor and property of all Ottoman’s subjects

• A fair system of taxation and the abolitionof tax farming (iltizam)

• A system of conscription for the military

• Equality before the law of all subjects,irrespective of religion