The First Ottoman State Elections and Parliament

Abstract

This study analyzes the Ottoman State's first elections and parliament in the historical timeline of transition to constitutional government. For rescuing the Ottoman State, the regime was changed from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy at the last quarter of the 19th century. It was necessary to have a constitution and a parliament to introduce constitutionalism. Because of this reason, the first constitution of Turkish history Kanun-i Esasi (Basic Law or Constitution) was prepared by a distinctive commission. As a temporary legal basis for elections, a decree law was prepared, called the "Talimat-i Muvakkate" (Transitory Instructions). According to this bylaw, assigned members of the parliament which was composed of 80 Muslims and 50 non-Muslims accomplished the first session of parliament on 19th March 1877 in the presence of the Sultan. This parliament stayed active until the date 28th June 1877, which is called first term of the parliament.