TULIP PERIOD
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It is the period between the years 1718-1730, in the Ottoman history. This period of improvement and reformation was led by Sultan Ahmed III and especially his grand vizier Damat Ibrahim Pasha. This period is noticed with renovations imitated from the western civilisation. But, these renovations were mostly appeared in the palace and a very rich and pleasant life was begun to be lived by the dynasty. A great interest in tulips was spread and tulip bulbs called as “mahbup” were brought from abroad. A mahbup was sold for 500 golden coins.

Before the Tulip Era, the Ottomans were tried and depressed by the long wars with Venice, Austria, and Iran. When Ibrahim Pasha who was a pacifying statesman was appointed as the grand vizier; he ended the Austrian War by signing Pasarofca Agreement, although it caused a grandeur loss of lands (1718).

The safety in the eastern boundaries was provided. After that, the movement of renovation and reorganisation in the state administrations were begun. The army was rearranged and the fire-brigade was organised, in Istanbul.

An urban revival and renovation began in Istanbul. New kiosks and palaces were built. The first Turkish printing-house was opened. A cellulose factory was established, in Yalova. Textile industry and porcelain manufacturing had increased. Arts and science had developed and, the artists and the scientists were protected by the sultan.

The pleasures and prodigality of the Sultan and the Grand Vizier, their favouritism and the imposition of new taxes ruined the social life of the empire. Zulali Hasan and Ispirizade Ahmet Efendi from the religious class incited yeniceri Patrona Halil to revolt against the sultanate and a widespread mutiny called “the revolt of Patrona Halil” was begun. The rebels dethroned Sultan Ahmed and they ended the Tulip Period.

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