Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya

Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya (My Political Memoirs) is a work of political memoirs and reflections by the Ottoman Sultan Abd al-Hamid II (1258–1336 AH / 1842–1918 CE), recording his perspective on domestic governance, imperial administration, and foreign affairs during the late Ottoman era Manhaj al-Shaykh Muhammad…+1.

Scope and Structure

The text comprises dated journal entries and thematic memoranda primarily spanning the years 1891 to 1908, alongside retrospective reflections dating back to the start of his reign between 1876 and 1878 Manhaj al-Shaykh Muhammad…+1. The book is organized into sections addressing domestic administrative affairs and statecraft, as well as dedicated chapters on foreign policy (al-Siyasa al-Kharijiyya) Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya. Across these entries, the Sultan discusses the structural challenges confronting the Ottoman Empire, arguing that its territorial vastness complicated administration, and that territorial contraction in the Balkans was a natural consequence of demographic imbalances rather than an irreparable loss of internal strength Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya.

Domestic Governance and Internal Politics

A central theme of the memoirs is the Sultan's defense of his centralized rule from Yildiz Palace and his countermeasures against political opposition Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya+1. The text addresses several key internal matters:

• Constitutionalism and Opposition: Abd al-Hamid II recounts the circumstances surrounding the promulgation of the 1876 constitution (al-Qanun al-Asasi) and the opening of the Chamber of Deputies (Majlis al-Mab'uthan), expressing deep distrust toward constitutionalist figures such as Midhat Pasha Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya+1. He details his surveillance of the Young Turks, including intelligence on their secret meetings in Geneva, viewing their liberal and Westernizing agitation as detrimental to the state Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya+1. In his 1908 entries, he justifies his re-proclamation of the constitution as a calculated move to prevent army mutinies and preempt British political maneuvering Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya.
• Cabinet and Administration: The author discusses his frequent rotation of grand viziers, noting appointments such as Kamil Pasha to accommodate British relations and Said Pasha (Küçük Said Pasha) for broader political considerations, asserting that ultimate executive authority remained with the sovereign Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya. He also defends loyal ministers, such as Interior Minister Mamduh Pasha, against foreign and domestic criticism Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya.
• Security and Intelligence: Having survived multiple assassination attempts, the Sultan justifies the expansion of his extensive spy and informant network (mabahith) as an indispensable necessity for personal survival and state preservation Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya+1.
• State Finances and Economy: The entries address fiscal reforms, efforts to increase customs duties, and the administration of royal revenues and public finances by advisors such as Agop Pasha, Mikael Pasha, and Raghib Bey Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya+1.

Foreign Affairs and Strategic Policy

The memoirs provide detailed commentary on Ottoman diplomatic relations with the European powers and neighboring regions:

• European Great Powers: Abd al-Hamid II reflects on the devastating Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) and his diplomatic efforts to revise the Treaty of San Stefano at the Congress of Berlin Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya. He discusses relations with France, noting historical ties dating back to Louis XIV and French influence in military reform, alongside grievances over capitulatory privileges and public debts Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya. Concerning Germany, he favored economic and railway partnerships while firmly rejecting German press proposals for establishing foreign agricultural colonies along the Baghdad railway route Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya+1.
• Infrastructure and Capitulations: The Sultan outlines the strategic and military value of railways, while cautioning against laying border tracks that could facilitate foreign invasions Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya. He laments the infringement of Ottoman sovereignty caused by foreign post offices operating under capitulatory privileges, comparing the situation to Japan's successful abolition of foreign postal concessions Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya.
• Regional Crises and Diplomacy: The text discusses unrest in Macedonia, Bulgarian insurgent activity, and Russian diplomacy under ambassadors such as Ivan Zinoviev and Nikolay Ignatyev Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya+1. It also records diplomatic gestures with Japan, noting gifts received from the Meiji Emperor Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya.

Publication

The work has been published in Arabic translation under the title Mudhakkirati al-Siyasiyya (1891–1908), including editions issued by Mu'assasat al-Risala in Beirut Manhaj al-Shaykh Muhammad…+1.